Suspense · Character

The Doctor

Doctor Martel, a Genoese physician whose morning is derailed by an English milord's disappearance, and whose cool head for quiet inquiries makes him a useful man to know.

supporting

Also known as Doctor Martel, Martel

First appearance: Suspense

As a supporting figure in Suspense, The Doctor is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dines with Cosmo, providing insight into the local political situation.

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The doctor moves easily between the innkeeper Cantelucci's anxious confidences and the naval officers at his dining table, taking snuff and turning over the puzzle of a guest who went out for air and never came back. He suspects his own courier of drinking with the missing man's servant, and he dispatches the fellow to the police with instructions to be discreet. He matters because his speculative, unflappable intelligence gives the early mystery a rational counterweight, and because his willingness to probe quietly makes him a natural conduit for information others would rather suppress.

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Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Central Intrigue Network
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Madame de Montevesso’s confession that she could not share the royalists’ hatred of the Empire, despite living…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Cosmo Latham
psychological · negative
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes… How this plays out →
Madame de Montevesso
psychological · negative
Signor Cantelucci
rivalry · negative
Cosmo Latham
psychological · negative
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes… How this plays out →
Cosmo Latham
psychological · negative
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes… How this plays out →
Madame de Montevesso
psychological · negative
Signor Cantelucci
rivalry · negative
Madame de Montevesso
psychological · negative
Signor Cantelucci
rivalry · negative

Cosmo Latham
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes while feigning care.
Madame de Montevesso
The Doctor holds a dark influence over Madame, using her secrets and vulnerabilities to control her actions.
Signor Cantelucci
Signor Cantelucci distrusts the Doctor, suspecting him of dark dealings and trying to protect others from him.
Cosmo Latham
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes while feigning care.
Cosmo Latham
The Doctor is a manipulative mentor and puppeteer, using Cosmo as a pawn in his schemes while feigning care.
Madame de Montevesso
The Doctor holds a dark influence over Madame, using her secrets and vulnerabilities to control her actions.
Signor Cantelucci
Signor Cantelucci distrusts the Doctor, suspecting him of dark dealings and trying to protect others from him.
Madame de Montevesso
The Doctor holds a dark influence over Madame, using her secrets and vulnerabilities to control her actions.
Signor Cantelucci
Signor Cantelucci distrusts the Doctor, suspecting him of dark dealings and trying to protect others from him.

Relationship notes

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

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In the story

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

Suspense
Dines with Cosmo, providing insight into the local political situation.
IV
An English doctor from Tuscany, known for his loud and angry voice, staying at the inn.
I
Dines with Cosmo, shares the history of the inn and his cynical views on the era.
II
Leaves a message inviting Cosmo to share a midday meal with him.
I
Reflects on his encounter with Count de Montevesso and his request to remove Cosmo from Genoa; discusses Napoleon and Pozzo di Borgo with Cosmo.
II
Doctor Martel dines with Cosmo, observes his changed state, and advises him on travel, hinting at the urgency of seeing Napoleon.
III
Finishes a confidential memorandum for the Marquis d'Armand, learns of Cosmo's disappearance from Cantelucci, and visits Madame de Montevesso to investigate.

Chapter companion notes

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