Sir Percy Hits Back · Character

The Scarlet Pimpernel

A dandy in filthy woodcutter's rags, he commands nineteen men and a rescue network from a squalid attic while planning to cheat the guillotine again.

major

Also known as Scarlet Pimpernel

First appearance: i

As a major figure in Sir Percy Hits Back, The Scarlet Pimpernel is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Implied as the leader of the English spies who orchestrated the rescue of Amédé Colombe.

In the storyChapter XVIIOpen this moment free

Blakeney sits in a greasy French garret, clothes caked in manure and grime, quietly working out how to save a father, mother, and crippled daughter marked for arrest. He is the one to command, with nineteen sworn to obey, and even in vagabond's rags his bearing and low, accustomed voice make obedience instant. The coming drama of the Frontenac family is his problem to solve, and the early chapters turn on whether his nerve and ingenuity can outpace the soldiers already closing in.

See The Scarlet Pimpernel in Chapter XVII Book page

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Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major characters and historical figures
English heroes and allies
Colombe family and associates
Minor revolutionary figures
Protagonist

+9 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 emotional and psychological peak of the antagonists’ realizat…

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In the story

The Scarlet Pimpernel appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XVII
Implied as the leader of the English spies who orchestrated the rescue of Amédé Colombe.
XXII
Chauvelin wonders what the Scarlet Pimpernel would do in his situation and dreads the thought of his enemy learning of his sorrow.
Chapter XXIV
Implied as the leader of the rescue; Sir Percy is the Scarlet Pimpernel, orchestrating the plan.
XXVII
Appears as a vision to Chauvelin, mocking him; Chauvelin curses him as his 'evil genius.'
XXVIII
Reported to be near Orange; his successful rescue of the Caristie family alarms Chauvelin and spurs him to action.
XXXVI
Disguised as a grimy giant, he incites the crowd and reveals himself to Chauvelin as Sir Percy Blakeney.
Chapter XXXVIII
Mentioned as the leader of the English league who orchestrated Amédé's rescue and arranged the reunion.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Scarlet Pimpernel unlock in the free preview.

See The Scarlet Pimpernel in i

See The Scarlet Pimpernel in Chapter XVII