Short Fiction · Character

Bertie van Tahn

A glum young man about town who, sulking through a family Christmas, declines the midnight cow-house expedition and is left behind to mind the house.

supporting

Also known as Bertie, Gilbert, Egbert, Robert

First appearance: reginald

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

Mentioned as the recipient of the ill-fitting gloves sent by Reginald.

In the storyReginald on Christmas PresentsOpen this moment free

See Bertie van Tahn in Reginald on Christmas Presents Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Bertie resents the festive season and the eager social planning around him, contributing only a scandalous remark about bed-space and a refusal to join the others. Left in charge while the household troops out to hear the animals talk, he becomes the still point in a story of mild heathen frolic. His scornful detachment matters because it isolates him at the exact moment the household's carefully chaperoned expedition begins.

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

See Bertie van Tahn in reginald

Character Web

41 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Socially overwhelmed characters
Protagonist
Diverse social dramas and oddities
Secret worship and social repercussions

+36 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 excerpt is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Egbert…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
social · ambivalent
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. How this plays out →
Clovis Sangrail
friendship · positive
Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
social · ambivalent
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. How this plays out →
Clovis Sangrail
friendship · positive
Clovis Sangrail
friendship · positive
Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
social · ambivalent
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. How this plays out →

Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. Pigeoncote share a high-society social connection, with frequent interactions.
Clovis Sangrail
Bertie and Clovis are friends and frequent companions in social settings.
Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. Pigeoncote share a high-society social connection, with frequent interactions.
Clovis Sangrail
Bertie and Clovis are friends and frequent companions in social settings.
Clovis Sangrail
Bertie and Clovis are friends and frequent companions in social settings.
Mrs. Peter Pigeoncote
Bertie van Tahn and Mrs. Pigeoncote share a high-society social connection, with frequent interactions.

Relationship notes

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

See Bertie van Tahn in reginald

In the story

Bertie van Tahn appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Reginald on Christmas Presents
Mentioned as the recipient of the ill-fitting gloves sent by Reginald.
Reginald's Christmas Revel
Referenced as 'the Major' who boasts about his hunting exploits and is offended by Reginald's mockery.
Tobermory
Turns pale when Tobermory reveals his remarks, but does not flee.
The Jesting of Arlington Stringham
Mentioned as coming to dinner with Clovis, but does not speak.
A Matter of Sentiment
Participates in the racing discussions and murmurs audible prayers during Mrs. Packletide's awkward lie.
The Recessional
Converses with Clovis in the Turkish bath, critiquing his poem and discussing its imagery.
The Talking-Out of Tarrington
Mentioned as the aunt of Clovis, who seeks to avoid Tarrington.
The Remoulding of Groby Lington
Mentioned as the nephew who drew the caricature of Groby and his parrot.
The Way to the Dairy
Mentioned as joining the aunt and nephew for supper; also referenced in a quote about paté de foie gras.
The Blind Spot
Sir Lulworth's nephew and the executor of great-aunt Adelaide's estate; he discovers the Canon's letter and tries to present it as evidence against the cook Sebastien.
Laura
Amanda's husband; his poultry and garden are repeatedly ravaged by the otter, and he is later tormented by a Nubian boy in Cairo.
A Touch of Realism
Plays the character of Little Bo-Peep, disrupting Waldo's sleep by searching for his 'lost sheep' in Waldo's room.
The Forbidden Buzzards
Referenced as 'Hugo Peterby' in the story; seeks Clovis's help to win Betty Coulterneb and keep Lanner away.
Fur
Bertram Kneyght, the wealthy cousin, is the target of the plot; he ends up giving Eleanor the fur and Suzanne a fan.
Down Pens
Appears as Egbert, the husband who argues for a reform of Christmas correspondence.
The Toys of Peace
Eric, the older nephew (age 11) who leads the imaginative play, repurposing the peace toys for a military scenario.
A Bread and Butter Miss
Discusses Derby betting odds and interprets Lola's dream.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bertie van Tahn unlock in the free preview.

See Bertie van Tahn in reginald

See Bertie van Tahn in Reginald on Christmas Presents