Short Fiction · Character

Jake Switz

Sigrid Holgar's loyal young attendant and something of a cook, who drives her to the remote Lake Jozgid theater and mails the narrator a ticket.

supporting

Also known as Jake, Sigrid Holgar, Holgar, little Jake Switz, Switz

First appearance: Jake's Story

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Jake Switz is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Jake Switz is involved in a fight with a glowing creature, hinting at transformation.

In the storyThe Hairy Ones Shall DanceOpen this moment free

See Jake Switz in The Hairy Ones Shall Dance Book page

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Jake travels with Sigrid as her constant companion, helping Davidson buy the car that lets them slip out of New York ahead of her souvenir-demanding public. At the lodge he cooks the company's first meal, eating heartily while Varduk only picks at his food, and he later passes Varduk's remarks on to Judge Pursuivant and the narrator. His quiet observation of Sigrid's frigid silence after Varduk's arbitrary lantern command makes him the story's attentive witness to the tensions gathering around the production.

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The fuller portrait of Jake Switz sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Jake Switz in Jake's Story

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how Jake Switz sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Supernatural and Alien
Protagonist
Byron and Soldiers
Supernatural Warnings

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the protagonist’s psychological and emotional peak of self-discov…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Varduk
rivalry · negative
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving… How this plays out →
Varduk
rivalry · negative
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving… How this plays out →
Varduk
rivalry · negative
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jake Switz in Jake's Story

In the story

Jake Switz appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Hairy Ones Shall Dance
Jake Switz is involved in a fight with a glowing creature, hinting at transformation.
I: Drafted
Press agent for Sigrid Holgar, who persuades Gib to meet Varduk about a role.
III: Enter Judge Pursuivant
First to leave the meeting, hurrying to telephone announcements to newspapers.
IV: Into the Country
Meets the narrator at the junction, drives him to the theater, expresses unease about the location.
IV: Into the Country
Referenced by Jake Switz as an accomplished actress rehearsing for 'Ruthven'.
Jake's Story
Narrates the chapter; drives Sigrid to Lake Jozgid, cooks dinner, and bravely attacks the glowing creature to protect Sigrid.
VI: The Theater in the Forest
Drives Connatt to the theater, is wary of Varduk, and refuses to discuss his previous night's adventure.
VII: Rehearsal
Present at rehearsal; reacts with an oath when Connatt stabs Varduk.
Pursuivant Again
Swims with Connatt; reacts to his dream with interest but avoids a romantic advance; has no last line in her script.
X: That Evening
Accompanies the narrator after rehearsal and helps revive the unconscious Pursuivant.
XI: Battle and Retreat
Fights alongside the narrator, helps him retreat, and recalls a poltergeist case in Brooklyn.
XII: Return Engagement
Publicist and friend; learns of Gib and Sigrid's engagement and helps with play promotion.
XIII: The Black Book
Working on scenery; comments on the bad luck of opening on a Friday.
XIII: The Black Book
Expresses excitement about the opening; is marked by Varduk's chalk circle.
Zero Hour
Grinning good wishes to Connatt as the play begins.
XV: “Whither? I Dread to Think—”
Works the curtain ropes and warns Connatt to get his sword; shows Connatt the strange lights outside.
Fearful Rock
Engages in physical confrontation with a glowing creature.
V: The Rout of the Witches
Mentioned as 'Sigrid Holgar' in the context of the coven's membership; not directly present.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jake Switz unlock in the free preview.

See Jake Switz in Jake's Story

See Jake Switz in The Hairy Ones Shall Dance