Sinister Street · Character
Carben
A contemptible schoolboy at the Jacobean.
minor
Also known as That worm Carben
First appearance: i the jacobean
Carben's tie to Michael Fane is one of the pressures that moves Sinister Street—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Carben, the secretary of the college rugby club, invites Michael to tea but then mocks him as a 'blood,' revealing a contemptuous attitude toward Michael's social standing.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Michael Fane (professional): Carben is Michael's valet or servant, providing practical service and a glimpse into the class hierarchy of the era. With Michael Fane (professional): Carben is Michael's valet or…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Carben sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Carben in i the jacobeanCharacter Web
38 connectionsA slice of how Carben sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- School and Family Circle
- Oxford Contemporaries and Eccentrics
- School and University Peers
- Social and Athletic Acquaintances
+33 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This passage functions as the dramatic climax because it marks the moment when the author explicitly breaks th…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Michael Fane
professional · ambivalent
Carben is Michael's valet or servant, providing practical service and a glimpse into the… How this plays out →
- Michael Fane
professional · ambivalent
Carben is Michael's valet or servant, providing practical service and a glimpse into the… How this plays out →
- Michael Fane
professional · ambivalent
Carben is Michael's valet or servant, providing practical service and a glimpse into the… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Carben in i the jacobeanIn the story
Carben appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Carben unlock in the free preview.
See Carben in i the jacobean