# Carl Peterson — The Black Gang character guide

> Carl Peterson in The Black Gang by H. C. McNeile.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Peterson, Carl

**First appearance:** 0000-i-in-which-things-happen-near-barking-creek

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Hugh Drummond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/hugh_drummond)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.

### [Ted Jerningham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/ted_jerningham)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.

### [Yulowski](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/yulowski)

_professional_

Carl Peterson employs Yulowski as a henchman in his criminal operations.

### [Phyllis Benton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/phyllis_benton)

_psychological_

Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.

### [Hugh Drummond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/hugh_drummond)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.

### [Hugh Drummond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/hugh_drummond)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson is Hugh Drummond's arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind constantly plotting against him.

### [Yulowski](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/yulowski)

_professional_

Carl Peterson employs Yulowski as a henchman in his criminal operations.

### [Ted Jerningham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/ted_jerningham)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.

### [Phyllis Benton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/phyllis_benton)

_psychological_

Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.

### [Ted Jerningham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/ted_jerningham)

_rivalry_

Carl Peterson sees Ted as an obstacle and enemy due to his alliance with Hugh.

### [Phyllis Benton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/phyllis_benton)

_psychological_

Carl Peterson sees Phyllis as a tool to manipulate or threaten Hugh, showing his obsession with defeating him.

## In the story

### [XI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xvii-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/carl_peterson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters