# Phyllis Benton — The Black Gang character guide

> Phyllis Benton in The Black Gang by H. C. McNeile.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Phyllis, Phyl

**First appearance:** 0001-ii-in-which-scotland-yard-sits-up-and-takes-notice

## Snapshot

A young woman whose failure to appear at the Ritz becomes the lever Peterson uses to bring Drummond to heel.

## Who they are

Phyllis is connected to the Latter family and to Drummond's circle, and her absence from a lunch appointment is the first sign that the enemy has changed the rules. When the telephone message arrives, Drummond's usual initiative deserts him, and his friends have to steady him. Her danger converts a game of wits into a barter of diamonds against a life, and the middle of the book turns on it.

## Relationships

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

_romantic_

Phyllis is Hugh's fiancée, and their relationship is loving and supportive.

### [Carl Peterson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/carl_peterson)

_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)

_romantic_

Phyllis is Hugh's fiancée, and their relationship is loving and supportive.

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

_romantic_

Phyllis is Hugh's fiancée, and their relationship is loving and supportive.

### [Carl Peterson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/carl_peterson)

_psychological_

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

### [Carl Peterson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/characters/carl_peterson)

_psychological_

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

## In the story

### [In Which the Bag of Nuts Is Found by Accident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/viii-in-which-the-bag-of-nuts-is-found-by-accident)

Worried for Hugh's safety, urges him to give up his dangerous activities.

### [X: In Which Hugh Drummond Makes a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/x-in-which-hugh-drummond-makes-a-discovery)

Mentioned as Drummond's wife, who is expected at the Ritz but has not arrived, setting up the plot to potentially capture her.

### [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)

Kidnapped by Peterson's gang, her safety is the central concern of the chapter.

### [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)

Mentioned as being in danger, with Peterson implying he has not decided her fate, adding to Drummond's anguish.

### [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 primary goal is to reach her at Maybrick Hall; he signals to her with an owl call.

### [In Which Things Happen at Maybrick Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xvi-in-which-things-happen-at-maybrick-hall)

Freed by Drummond, she is terrified by the electrified fox and follows his instructions to escape while he creates a diversion.

### [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)

Captured with Drummond, she manages to signal that she contacted Peter Darrell. She stops Drummond from killing Peterson.

## Links

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