The Black Arrow · Character

Sir Daniel Brackley

A smooth-tongued knight who promises generously and delivers only when it profits him, he holds Dick's inheritance, Joanna's future, and every man's loyalty by a thread.

major

Also known as Sir Daniel, Brackley, Daniel, Sir Daniel goodwill, Daniel Brackley

First appearance: Book I: The Two Lads

As a major figure in The Black Arrow, Sir Daniel Brackley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dick's guardian and a powerful lord, whose actions are increasingly suspect.

In the storyBook I: The Two LadsOpen this moment free

See Sir Daniel Brackley in Book I: The Two Lads Book page

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Sir Daniel Brackley rules his corner of the Wars of the Roses by shifting allegiances and writing letters full of promises he has no intention of keeping. He needs a messenger sly enough and fast enough to slip past the outlaws in the wood, and his careful weighing of his own men shows a commander who trusts no one. As Dick's guardian and Joanna's would-be husband, he is the knot of obligation and betrayal that the early story pulls tighter with every scene.

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See Sir Daniel Brackley in Book I: The Two Lads

Character Web

34 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Family
Other

Character groups

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

+29 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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
rivalry · negative
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of… How this plays out →
Joanna Sedley
rivalry · negative
Lady Brackley
family · ambivalent
Matcham
rivalry · negative
Dick Shelton
rivalry · negative
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
rivalry · negative
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of… How this plays out →
Joanna Sedley
rivalry · negative
Matcham
rivalry · negative
Lady Brackley
family · ambivalent
Joanna Sedley
rivalry · negative
Matcham
rivalry · negative

Dick Shelton
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of Dick's father.
Joanna Sedley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.
Lady Brackley
Lady Brackley is Sir Daniel's wife, but their marriage is strained by his ruthless ambitions.
Matcham
Sir Daniel seeks to control Matcham (Joanna) for his own political gain, making him her enemy.
Dick Shelton
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of Dick's father.
Dick Shelton
Dick becomes a sworn enemy of Sir Daniel after discovering his treachery and murder of Dick's father.
Joanna Sedley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.
Matcham
Sir Daniel seeks to control Matcham (Joanna) for his own political gain, making him her enemy.
Lady Brackley
Lady Brackley is Sir Daniel's wife, but their marriage is strained by his ruthless ambitions.
Joanna Sedley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.
Matcham
Sir Daniel seeks to control Matcham (Joanna) for his own political gain, making him her enemy.

Relationship notes

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

See Sir Daniel Brackley in Book I: The Two Lads

In the story

Sir Daniel Brackley appears across 23 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I: The Two Lads
Dick's guardian and a powerful lord, whose actions are increasingly suspect.
At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley
Extorts tenants in Kettley, threatens Condall, inspects troops, and orders the hunt for the escaped Joanna.
II: In the Fen
Mentioned as Matcham's oppressor who took him by force and plans a marriage between Dick and Joanna Sedley.
The Hooded Face
Disguised as a leper to avoid the Black Arrow; reveals his defeat at battle, the loss of his men, and his plan to return to Tunstall; swears vengeance on Ellis Duckworth.
Book II: The Moat House
Dick's guardian and suspected of treachery regarding Sir Harry Shelton's death.
Dick Asks Questions
Sir Daniel appears in the hall, sends a messenger to Lord Wensleydale, and tries to rally his men after the recent defeat.
The Two Oaths
Swears a false oath of innocence regarding Sir Harry Shelton's death, plots to move Dick to the chamber above the chapel, and threatens to kill Dick if he continues to be troublesome.
The Room Over the Chapel
Leads the search for Joanna and orders the door to be broken down.
The Passage
Referenced as the antagonist who bought Joanna's wardship and marriage rights, and who now seeks Dick's life.
How Dick Changed Sides
Target of Dick's revenge; receives Dick's threatening letter.
Book III: My Lord Foxham
The antagonist, from whom Dick Shelton is fleeing.
The House by the Shore
Meets Lord Shoreby on the down and leads him to the house by the shore, where Joanna Sedley is kept.
II: A Skirmish in the Dark
Mentioned as the possible captor of Joanna; his horsemen are expected to arrive.
St. Bride's Cross
Mentioned as Dick's guardian and the one who promised Joanna to Lord Shoreby.
Book IV: The Disguise
The antagonist who holds Joanna captive and is outwitted by Dick's disguise.
The Dead Spy
Discovers the body and the black arrow, recognizes the threat, and orders the house secured.
In the Abbey Church
Arrives with the wedding party; accuses Dick of murder and demands his execution.
V: Earl Risingham
Mentioned as a powerful Lancastrian; his treacherous letter to Lord Wensleydale is exposed by Dick.
The Shrill Trumpet
Sir Daniel Brackley is named as one of the skilled Lancastrian captains opposing Gloucester.
The Battle of Shoreby
Seen ordering Lancastrian troops in the marketplace, leading the attack against Dick's post.
The Sack of Shoreby
Flees Shoreby with Joanna before his house is sacked.
V: Night in the Woods: Alicia Risingham
Flees through the woods, scattering his men to evade pursuit; his trail is followed by Dick.
VII: Dick’s Revenge
Confronts Dick in the forest, is spared but forbidden from Holywood; is shot by a black arrow and dies in Dick's arms.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Daniel Brackley in Book I: The Two Lads