# Dr. Theobald — The Black Mask character guide

> Dr. Theobald in The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Theobald, friend Theobald, old Theobald

**First appearance:** 0000-no-sinecure

## Snapshot

A blunt, full-blooded doctor who tends to Raffles and dismisses Bunny with a sovereign and a snapped diagnosis, knowing more than he lets on.

## Who they are

Dr. Theobald is the practical man in Raffles's orbit, called in when illness is convenient and questions are unwelcome. He pushes Bunny out of the sickroom with a sovereign and a curt word, yet his evasions leave Bunny uncertain whether Raffles is truly ill or merely hiding. His presence grounds the stories in ordinary London life and quietly raises the question of how much the doctor suspects about his patient's other activities.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/i)

The patient's doctor; interviews Bunny and introduces him to the invalid.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/ii)

Raffles's doctor, who is deceived into believing Raffles is an invalid; plans to marry and is paid a weekly fee.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as being sent on a fool's errand to Southampton to allow Raffles to show his face in Regent Street.

### [A Jubilee Present](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/a-jubilee-present)

Mentioned as returning for the Jubilee; his absence allows Raffles to operate.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/ii)

Insists on Bunny's dismissal, conspires with Raffles to fake his death for a thousand pounds.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/characters/theobald
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_mask_se/characters