The Black Gang · Character

Carl Peterson

A master criminal whose young brain turns starving Austrians and stolen diamonds into leverage, and who knows Drummond's secret before Drummond knows he knows.

major

Also known as Peterson, Carl

First appearance: i in which things happen near barking creek

As a major figure in The Black Gang, Carl Peterson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Disguised as the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor, he attempts to gather information about the Black Gang and the diamonds, unaware that Drummond has seen through his disguise.

In the storyXI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch TogetherOpen this moment free

Peterson operates behind respectable fronts, using men like Latter as disposable instruments and information as a weapon. He is patient, theatrical, and willing to kidnap to force a trade, which makes him a different order of adversary from the thugs Drummond usually handles. The early arc belongs to him because he moves first, and Drummond spends it catching up.

See Carl Peterson in XI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch Together Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Core Allies and Villains
Protagonist
Social Circle and Minor Criminals
Background Characters and Extras

+17 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

Drummond’s near-drowning marks the climax because it is the moment of absolute physical and psychological extr…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Hugh Drummond
rivalry · negative
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting… How this plays out →
Ted Jerningham
rivalry · negative
Yulowski
professional · negative
Phyllis Benton
psychological · negative
Hugh Drummond
rivalry · negative
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting… How this plays out →
Hugh Drummond
rivalry · negative
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting… How this plays out →
Yulowski
professional · negative
Ted Jerningham
rivalry · negative
Phyllis Benton
psychological · negative
Ted Jerningham
rivalry · negative
Phyllis Benton
psychological · negative

Hugh Drummond
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.
Ted Jerningham
Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.
Yulowski
Carl Peterson employs Yulowski as a henchman in his criminal operations.
Phyllis Benton
Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.
Hugh Drummond
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.
Hugh Drummond
Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.
Yulowski
Carl Peterson employs Yulowski as a henchman in his criminal operations.
Ted Jerningham
Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.
Phyllis Benton
Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.
Ted Jerningham
Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.
Phyllis Benton
Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.

Relationship notes

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

See Carl Peterson in i in which things happen near barking creek

In the story

Carl Peterson appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch Together
Disguised as the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor, he attempts to gather information about the Black Gang and the diamonds, unaware that Drummond has seen through his disguise.
In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Have a Little Chat
Disguised as Reverend Theodosius Longmoor, he negotiates for the diamonds and plans treachery.
In Which a Rolls-Royce Runs Amok
Reveals his identity to Drummond, gloats over his capture, and meticulously prepares a poisoned chair and whisky to kill him, all while disguised as the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor.
In Which Hugh Drummond Arrives at Maybrick Hall
Drummond's main adversary; his desire to get his hands on Peterson fuels his survival and actions.
In Which a Murderer Is Murdered at Maybrick Hall
Disguised as a clergyman, he orchestrates the planned execution of Drummond and Phyllis. He is overpowered by the Black Gang and nearly killed by Drummond.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Carl Peterson in i in which things happen near barking creek

See Carl Peterson in XI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch Together