The Black Gang · Character
Inspector McIver
A Scotland Yard inspector who works alongside Drummond while suspecting exactly who the Black Gang's leader really is.
supporting
Also known as Chief Inspector McIver, McIver, dear old McIver, Inspector, ass McIver
First appearance: In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice
As a supporting figure in The Black Gang, Inspector McIver is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Mentioned as leading the police who surrounded the house, but the vigilante avoids them, indicating a tense relationship.
McIver is the professional on the other side of Drummond's amateur theatrics, close enough to be called dear old McIver and blunt enough to be called an ass. He represents the law that Drummond both uses and evades, and his presence keeps the Gang's vigilante methods morally unsettled. In the early arc he is the channel through which official suspicion and official help both arrive.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
20 connectionsA slice of how Inspector McIver sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Core Allies and Villains
- Protagonist
- Background Characters and Extras
+15 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Hugh Drummond
professional · positive
Inspector McIver is a police officer who collaborates with Hugh on cases. How this plays out →
- Sir Bryan Johnstone
professional · positive
- Sir Bryan Johnstone
professional · positive
- Hugh Drummond
professional · positive
Inspector McIver is a police officer who collaborates with Hugh on cases. How this plays out →
- Hugh Drummond
professional · positive
Inspector McIver is a police officer who collaborates with Hugh on cases. How this plays out →
- Sir Bryan Johnstone
professional · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Inspector McIver in In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes NoticeIn the story
Inspector McIver appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- I: In Which Things Happen Near Barking Creek
- In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice
- In Which Charles Latter, M.P., Goes Mad
- VI: In Which an Effusion Is Sent to the Newspapers
- In Which the Home Secretary Is Taught the Foxtrot
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Inspector McIver unlock in the free preview.
See Inspector McIver in In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice