The Black Arrow · Character

Sir Oliver Oates

Sir Daniel's smooth-tongued priest, whose breviary and blessings cannot quite hide the guilt he carries for the deeds done in his master's service.

supporting

Also known as Sir Oliver

First appearance: book i the two lads

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

Priest and clerk, he interprets the black arrow as a political plot and seals the chest and cupboard after Appleyard's death.

In the storyPrologueOpen this moment free

See Sir Oliver Oates in Prologue Book page

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Sir Oliver Oates is the household priest at Tunstall, a discreet, soft-stepping man who has grown comfortable in Sir Daniel's shadow and profited by his crimes. When Dick presses him about the dying Carter and about old treacheries, the priest starts, drops his eyes, and hurries on with an inaudible benediction. He matters because his guilty evasions help convince Dick that his guardian's house is built on murder.

Continue beside the text

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

See Sir Oliver Oates in book i the two lads

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Sir Daniel's Opponents & Allies
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

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
Sir Oliver Oates is a corrupt priest and ally of Sir Daniel who conspires against Dick. How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
rivalry · negative
Sir Oliver Oates is a corrupt priest and ally of Sir Daniel who conspires against Dick. How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
rivalry · negative
Sir Oliver Oates is a corrupt priest and ally of Sir Daniel who conspires against Dick. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Sir Oliver Oates in book i the two lads

In the story

Sir Oliver Oates appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Prologue
Priest and clerk, he interprets the black arrow as a political plot and seals the chest and cupboard after Appleyard's death.
Book II: The Moat House
The priest at Tunstall, possibly complicit in Sir Daniel's schemes.
Dick Asks Questions
Sir Oliver is mentioned as having hurried through mass and being absent when Carter calls for him.
The Two Oaths
Terrified and coerced, he swears a false oath to protect Dick, signals warnings to Dick, and is revealed as complicit in Sir Daniel's schemes.
The Passage
Seen through a spy-hole praying in the chapel, indicating his presence in the house.
The Dead Spy
Confronts Dick in the abbey church, recognizes him, and hesitates to turn him in.
In the Abbey Church
Whispers to Dick about his innocence in Sir Harry's death; later alerts soldiers to Lawless's presence.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Sir Oliver Oates unlock in the free preview.

See Sir Oliver Oates in book i the two lads

See Sir Oliver Oates in Prologue