Short Fiction · Character

Oswald Winwood

The absent beloved whose promised return to Agatha Pollin becomes a bargaining chip against a persistent elderly suitor circling her family's mill.

supporting

Also known as Oswald, dear Oswald, Winwood

First appearance: Destiny and a Blue Cloak

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

Agatha's beloved who fails to return, leading to her forced marriage.

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Oswald never walks these pages in the flesh, yet his expected homecoming governs every negotiation around Agatha—her secret certainty of his speedy return is the lever she uses to dupe her persecutors. His name, scratched onto a slate as a condition of her promise to old Lovill, becomes the quiet weapon of a girl buying time. Whether he arrives before November decides whether Agatha's defiance was cunning or merely hope.

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See Oswald Winwood in Destiny and a Blue Cloak

Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Romantic Misunderstandings and Dilemmas
Romantic Entanglements and Consequences

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Oswald Winwood appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Short Fiction
Agatha's beloved who fails to return, leading to her forced marriage.
Destiny and a Blue Cloak
Agatha's true love who goes to America and fails to return by the agreed deadline.
I
Mistakes Agatha for Frances Lovill, but grows to love her for herself.
II
Oswald is preparing to leave for India, hopeful about his prospects through competitive examination, and promises to return and marry Agatha.
III
Oswald passes his examination, is listed first in the Times, and departs for India, maintaining regular correspondence with Agatha.
V
Oswald is mentioned as Agatha's promised suitor, currently in India and reportedly becoming successful, but his return is uncertain.
Chapter VI
Oswald writes a letter to Agatha promising to return and marry her before the family's departure for Queensland.
VII
Oswald is expected to return in six weeks to marry Agatha, but his intentions are doubted by her uncle.
How He Saw Two Other Men
The miller who speaks with Lizzy at her door; his conversation is watched by a hidden listener.
VI: The Great Search at Nether-Moynton
Owlett, the miller and a key smuggler, is seen at his mill covered in flour, later hiding on the church tower and coordinating the villagers' concealment.
The Baron's Illness and Jim's Discovery
The Baron remains a mysterious figure, now seriously ill with inflammation of the lungs, and sends a note to Margery requesting her presence for a solemn ceremony.
XVII
Not present in this chapter.
IV
Referred to as Matthäus Tina; meets Phyllis at the gate, respects her decision to stay, and departs with Christoph.
The Doctor’s Legend
Agatha's lover who promised to return but failed to meet the deadline, leading to her marriage to another.

Chapter companion notes

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