The Black Arrow · Character

Ellis Duckworth

The outlaw captain whose Black Arrow fellowship hunts Sir Daniel for old wrongs, and whose fierce vengeance is finally broken by a prayer and a pardon.

supporting

Also known as Duckworth, Ellis, Master Ellis

First appearance: A Greenwood Company

As a supporting figure in The Black Arrow, Ellis Duckworth is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The leader of the Black Arrow fellowship, an outlaw seeking revenge against Sir Daniel.

In the storyBook I: The Two LadsOpen this moment free

See Ellis Duckworth in Book I: The Two Lads Book page

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Ellis Duckworth commands the outlaw band that turns the greenwood into a hunting ground for Sir Daniel Brackley, and he draws young Dick Shelton into that feud. His pursuit of revenge has curdled into something like a sickness of the soul, so that when his enemy lies dead at last he prays in great disorder and confesses the devil is still strong within him. He matters because his fellowship gives Dick both a refuge and a moral education in what vengeance costs.

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

See Ellis Duckworth in A Greenwood Company

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Sir Daniel's Opponents & Allies
Protagonist

+14 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 story's dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Dick’s psychological tension and decisive act…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Dick Shelton
friendship · positive
Ellis Duckworth is the leader of the outlaws known as the Black Arrow, who becomes Dick's… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
friendship · positive
Ellis Duckworth is the leader of the outlaws known as the Black Arrow, who becomes Dick's… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
friendship · positive
Ellis Duckworth is the leader of the outlaws known as the Black Arrow, who becomes Dick's… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Ellis Duckworth in A Greenwood Company

In the story

Ellis Duckworth appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I: The Two Lads
The leader of the Black Arrow fellowship, an outlaw seeking revenge against Sir Daniel.
A Greenwood Company
Leads the outlaw band, speaks of vengeance against Sir Daniel, and oversees the distribution of ale and food.
Bloody as the Hunter
Commands the Black Arrow men, orders them not to shoot Dick, identifies him as Harry Shelton's son.
The Hooded Face
Mentioned as the leader of the Black Arrow; Sir Daniel swears vengeance on him for the ambush of Selden's troop.
The Two Oaths
Implied as the sender of the black arrow, which bears the word 'Earthed' and strikes the hall table, signaling the Black Arrow fellowship's presence.
How Dick Changed Sides
Leads the outlaws; tends to Dick's wounds; vows to avenge Dick's father and protect Joanna.
Book III: My Lord Foxham
Leader of the Black Arrow fellowship, referenced in the context of the conflict.
II: A Skirmish in the Dark
Mentioned as the leader who gathered the outlaws.
The 'Good Hope'
Absent from Shoreby; founder of the Black Arrow fellowship, thought to be an agent of the Earl of Warwick.
Book IV: The Disguise
Leader of the Black Arrow fellowship, aids Dick in the rescue mission.
V: Earl Risingham
Mentioned by Lawless as a man who would help Dick if he knew of his predicament.
VII: Dick’s Revenge
Shoots Sir Daniel with a black arrow; moved by Dick's mercy, he renounces revenge and dissolves the Black Arrow fellowship.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Ellis Duckworth in A Greenwood Company

See Ellis Duckworth in Book I: The Two Lads