The Avenger · Character

Bhag

A six-foot orangutan in workman's overalls who fetches his master's cigars and could tear a man apart on a whispered word.

supporting

Also known as the hideous Bhag, the monstrous Bhag

First appearance: VII: The Swords and Bhag

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

Introduced by Penne as the 'perfect servant'; emerges from a hidden panel in the library; described as a sinister and terrifying figure.

In the storyVII: The Swords and BhagOpen this moment free

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Bhag lives in his own tidy apartment, dines with the servants who both fear and worship him, and slips out nightly to roam the woods without ever harming a hen. He is Sir Gregory Penne's obedient shield, gentle at a soft command and lethal at an enemy's name, his velvet palm and enormous arms making his civility more unsettling than any threat. His wordless, watchful presence turns Penne's study into a place where violence is always one sentence away.

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

See Bhag in VII: The Swords and Bhag

Character Web

9 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Central Investigation Team
Protagonist

+4 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

Michael reaches his emotional and psychological peak as he confronts the horrifying reality of Lawley Foss’s d…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mike Brixan
friendship · positive
Bhag is a devoted friend and companion to Mike, providing loyal support and assistance. How this plays out →
Stella Mendoza
friendship · positive
Sir Gregory Penne
rivalry · negative
Mike Brixan
friendship · positive
Bhag is a devoted friend and companion to Mike, providing loyal support and assistance. How this plays out →
Sir Gregory Penne
rivalry · negative
Stella Mendoza
friendship · positive

Mike Brixan
Bhag is a devoted friend and companion to Mike, providing loyal support and assistance.
Stella Mendoza
Bhag and Stella share a friendly, supportive relationship, often working together as part of Mike's inner circle.
Sir Gregory Penne
Bhag opposes Sir Gregory, viewing him as an enemy and acting against his interests.
Mike Brixan
Bhag is a devoted friend and companion to Mike, providing loyal support and assistance.
Sir Gregory Penne
Bhag opposes Sir Gregory, viewing him as an enemy and acting against his interests.
Stella Mendoza
Bhag and Stella share a friendly, supportive relationship, often working together as part of Mike's inner circle.

Relationship notes

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

See Bhag in VII: The Swords and Bhag

In the story

Bhag appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: The Swords and Bhag
Introduced by Penne as the 'perfect servant'; emerges from a hidden panel in the library; described as a sinister and terrifying figure.
X: The Open Window
Implied to be the creature that grabs Adele's wrist through the window; earlier seen lurking by Longvale.
XI: The Mark on the Window
The ape that climbs to Adele's window and attempts to abduct her; driven off by Brixan's pistol shot.
A Cry from a Tower
Mentioned as having attempted to abduct Adele; Brixan shot at him earlier.
Two from the Yard
Identified as Penne's orangutan companion, captured as a baby and raised in captivity.
XIX: The Midnight Visit
Seen bringing food to the imprisoned woman in the tower; later pursues Brixan across the fields after his escape.
XX: A Narrow Escape
Attacks Brixan but is driven off by the brown-faced man with a curved sword.
The Marks of the Beast
The hideous creature whose handprint is found; suspected of carrying bodies away through a hidden exit.
XXVIII: The Tower
Emerges from the top of Griff Tower, covered in dust, still wearing broken handcuffs, startling the film crew.
Bhag's Return
The orangutan reappears from the tower, shows signs of injury (gashed skin and slashed ear), and had been handcuffed before escaping.
XXXII: Gregory's Way
Mentioned as Penne's violent enforcer, kept downstairs.
XXXIV: The Search
Appears with Adele's torn cloak; wounded and shot at by Brixan; escapes through a hidden opening.
At the Tower Again
Pursues Adele through the grounds, is shot in the shoulder, and later retreats after she climbs the tower.
XXXVIII: The Cavern of Bones
Implied to have been hiding in the cave, explaining his mysterious reappearance.
XLI: The Death
The great ape, having witnessed an execution, turns the guillotine on Longvale, killing him.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bhag unlock in the free preview.

See Bhag in VII: The Swords and Bhag