Short Fiction · Character

Varduk

A masterful director staging Ruthven at a remote lake theater who forbids the play's final line and claims descent from Lord Byron.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Varduk, Mister Varduk

First appearance: the invading asteroid

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

Central figure in the occult drama, involved in ritualistic practices.

In the storyThe Black DramaOpen this moment free

See Varduk in The Black Drama Book page

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Varduk leases a defunct sporting lodge at Lake Jozgid, knocks out its partitions, and gathers Sigrid Holgar and a small company around a script whose last speech is mysteriously missing from every copy. He is superstitious for all his apparent wisdom and culture, warning that the final line must never be spoken in rehearsal, and he deflects questions about the virgin timber and the property's history with a smooth change of subject. His heavy gaze and habit of command unsettle the narrator, making him the quiet pressure behind the production's growing unease.

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

See Varduk in the invading asteroid

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Supernatural and Alien
Protagonist
Supernatural Warnings
Byron and Soldiers

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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

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

Jake Switz
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving supernatural or criminal elements.
Elmo Davidson
Elmo Davidson is obsessed with or manipulated by Varduk, creating a deeply unbalanced dynamic.
Jake Switz
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving supernatural or criminal elements.
Jake Switz
Jake Switz and Varduk are enemies locked in a dangerous conflict, possibly involving supernatural or criminal elements.
Elmo Davidson
Elmo Davidson is obsessed with or manipulated by Varduk, creating a deeply unbalanced dynamic.
Elmo Davidson
Elmo Davidson is obsessed with or manipulated by Varduk, creating a deeply unbalanced dynamic.

Relationship notes

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

See Varduk in the invading asteroid

In the story

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

The Black Drama
Central figure in the occult drama, involved in ritualistic practices.
I: Drafted
Mysterious producer who suggested Gib for the lead in the horror play.
Byron's Lost Play
The mysterious host who reads Byron's lost play and assigns himself the title role of Ruthven.
III: Enter Judge Pursuivant
Hosts the gathering, reveals his descent from Lord Byron, and explains the play's provenance through Claire Clairmont.
IV: Into the Country
Mentioned as the owner of the hotel and descendant of Byron; not present in the chapter.
Jake's Story
Directs Sigrid's play; warns against going out at night without a lantern; commands the creature to release Jake, displaying supernatural authority.
VI: The Theater in the Forest
The producer, greets the arrivals, assigns sleeping quarters, and calls the first rehearsal.
VII: Rehearsal
Director and actor playing Ruthven; reveals the stabbing was a trick; ends rehearsal after a dispute.
Pursuivant Again
Dismisses the missing last line as a careless omission by Davidson; maintains a superstitious refusal to speak the line in rehearsal.
IX: Davidson Gives a Warning
Described as a mysterious college freshman who uses a black book to exert control, leading to Schaefer's death.
X: That Evening
Hosts dinner, invites Pursuivant, shows interest in the sword-cane, and leads the rehearsal.
XI: Battle and Retreat
Suspected by Pursuivant of knowing about the non-shapes and possibly orchestrating the attack.
XII: Return Engagement
Mysterious producer of 'Ruthven'; observes the couple and quotes Byron.
XIII: The Black Book
Draws a chalk circle around Sigrid during rehearsal; invites Pursuivant to speak before the play.
Zero Hour
Revealed to be the living Lord Byron; intends to transfer his curse to Sigrid during the play.
XV: “Whither? I Dread to Think—”
Actor playing Ruthven; is stabbed by Connatt and crumbles to death on stage.
Fearful Rock
Antagonistic figure associated with dark rituals and evil.
Warrior of Two Worlds
Antagonistic force representing occult or otherworldly threat.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Varduk in the invading asteroid

See Varduk in The Black Drama