The Borough Treasurer · Character

Christopher Pett

A small, sly solicitor with long white fingers and a steel-trap client, he parcels out Kitely's estate and his own careful evasions with equal neatness.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Pett, Christopher, Chris Pett

First appearance: i blackmail

As a supporting figure in The Borough Treasurer, Christopher Pett is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Miss Pett's nephew and solicitor; mentioned as the holder of Kitely's will.

In the storyAntecedentsOpen this moment free

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With Mr. Mallalieu (psychological): Christopher Pett and Mr. Mallalieu have a high interaction count, suggesting a relationship of manipulation or coercion. With Miss Pett (family): Christopher Pett and Miss Pett share a familial bond, likely as siblings or close relatives, given their shared surname and frequent interactions. With Mr. Brereton (professional): Christopher Pett and Mr. Brereton interact frequently, likely in a legal or official capacity.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Christopher Pett sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Christopher Pett in i blackmail

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Psychological
Family
Professional
Other

Character groups

Central suspects and witnesses
Protagonist

+7 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

This is the dramatic climax because Mallalieu reaches a psychological peak of paranoid terror and physical des…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mr. Mallalieu
psychological · negative
Christopher Pett and Mr. How this plays out →
Miss Pett
family · ambivalent
Mr. Brereton
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Mallalieu
psychological · negative
Christopher Pett and Mr. How this plays out →
Miss Pett
family · ambivalent
Mr. Brereton
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Brereton
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Mallalieu
psychological · negative
Christopher Pett and Mr. How this plays out →
Miss Pett
family · ambivalent

Mr. Mallalieu
Christopher Pett and Mr. Mallalieu have a high interaction count, suggesting a relationship of manipulation or coercion.
Miss Pett
Christopher Pett and Miss Pett share a familial bond, likely as siblings or close relatives, given their shared surname and frequent interactions.
Mr. Brereton
Christopher Pett and Mr. Brereton interact frequently, likely in a legal or official capacity.
Mr. Mallalieu
Christopher Pett and Mr. Mallalieu have a high interaction count, suggesting a relationship of manipulation or coercion.
Miss Pett
Christopher Pett and Miss Pett share a familial bond, likely as siblings or close relatives, given their shared surname and frequent interactions.
Mr. Brereton
Christopher Pett and Mr. Brereton interact frequently, likely in a legal or official capacity.
Mr. Brereton
Christopher Pett and Mr. Brereton interact frequently, likely in a legal or official capacity.
Mr. Mallalieu
Christopher Pett and Mr. Mallalieu have a high interaction count, suggesting a relationship of manipulation or coercion.
Miss Pett
Christopher Pett and Miss Pett share a familial bond, likely as siblings or close relatives, given their shared surname and frequent interactions.

Relationship notes

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

See Christopher Pett in i blackmail

In the story

Christopher Pett appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Antecedents
Miss Pett's nephew and solicitor; mentioned as the holder of Kitely's will.
XI: Christopher Pett
Miss Pett's nephew and legal representative; a sly, common-looking lawyer who reveals he was Kitely's legal adviser and executor of his will.
XII: Parental Anxiety
Visits Brereton and Bent, leaving Kitely's scrap-book; Brereton regards him as a 'cool hand' of the Dodson & Fogg type.
XIII: The Anonymous Letter
Legal adviser to Kitely, overly familiar with Brereton, expresses certainty of Harborough's guilt.
Comfortable Captivity
Arrives at midnight, let in by Miss Pett.
Strict Business Lines
Arrives at the cottage, learns of Mallalieu's escape and hiding, and goes into town to gather information.
No Further Evidence
Attends the inquest, professionally curious about the developments.
The Virtues of Suspicion
Christopher manipulates Mallalieu with alarming news and proposes a risky escape plan, while also negotiating payment for his and his aunt's help.
Without Thought of Consequence
Watches from the doorway as Miss Pett advances; is also shot and killed by Mallalieu.

Chapter companion notes

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See Christopher Pett in i blackmail

See Christopher Pett in Antecedents