The Black Arrow · Character

Will Lawless

A drunken outlaw with a monk's hood and a rogue's grin, he swears to stand by Dick even as the gallows wait.

supporting

Also known as Lawless, Will, old Lawless, dear Lawless, Friend Lawless

First appearance: i at the sign of the sun in kettley

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

A cook among the outlaws, sings a song, complains about the lack of ale and bread, and is rebuked by Ellis for his greed.

In the storyA Greenwood CompanyOpen this moment free

See Will Lawless in A Greenwood Company Book page

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Will Lawless is a man who has survived so long by hardship that he can curl up and snore in a cell the night before his hanging. He offers Dick a string to his bow — the outlaw Ellis Duckworth — and pledges to swear for Dick's innocence even when swearing will do no good. His loyalty is the kind that costs nothing to promise and everything to keep, and it anchors Dick to the outlaw band that will shape his fate.

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See Will Lawless in i at the sign of the sun in kettley

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Sir Daniel's Opponents & Allies
Minor Characters & Victims
Protagonist

+21 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…

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In the story

Will Lawless appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Greenwood Company
A cook among the outlaws, sings a song, complains about the lack of ale and bread, and is rebuked by Ellis for his greed.
How Dick Changed Sides
Finds Dick on the road and carries him to Ellis Duckworth.
The House by the Shore
Takes John Capper's watch at Dick's command.
II: A Skirmish in the Dark
Survives the skirmish and is called by Dick.
The 'Good Hope'
Former shipman who helps steal the Good Hope by getting Captain Arblaster drunk.
V: The “Good Hope” (Continued)
Steers the Good Hope through the storm, fends off mutineers, and demonstrates seamanship and resolve.
VI: The “Good Hope” (Concluded)
Steers the ship through the storm and announces the grounding on a shoal, then broaches a barrel of wine for the crew.
The Den
Disguises himself as a friar; reveals his thieving nature but also his loyalty; produces black arrows and a disguise kit from his chest.
In Mine Enemies' House
Wanders drunkenly through the house, nearly exposing Dick.
The Dead Spy
Drunk and unsteady, pins the black arrow to the spy's corpse, claiming credit for the Black Arrow fellowship.
In the Abbey Church
Joins Dick in the church; found with arrows matching those shot by the Black Arrow, leading to his arrest.
V: Earl Risingham
Imprisoned with Dick; sleeps through the ordeal; spared from hanging due to Dick's plea.
Arblaster Again
Briefly appears with Dick in the lumber yard, wrestles Tom to the ground, and flees when discovered.
Conclusion
Ends his life as a friar under the name Brother Honestus, enjoying a pension.

Chapter companion notes

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See Will Lawless in i at the sign of the sun in kettley

See Will Lawless in A Greenwood Company