# John Merritt — The Case of Charles Dexter Ward character guide

> John Merritt in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by H. P. Lovecraft.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Merritt, Merritt, good Mr. Merritt

**First appearance:** 0003-ii-an-antecedent-and-a-horror

## Who they are

A merchant who had dealings with Joseph Curwen in the 18th century.

## Relationships

### [Joseph Curwen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_case_of_charles_dexter_ward_se/characters/joseph_curwen)

_rivalry_

John Merritt was a sea captain who helped transport Curwen's illicit cargo and later turned against him.

## In the story

### [II: An Antecedent and a Horror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_case_of_charles_dexter_ward_se/chapters/ii-an-antecedent-and-a-horror)

Visited Curwen's library and was horrified by the forbidden books, including the Necronomicon, and the passage from Borellus.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_case_of_charles_dexter_ward_se/characters/john_merritt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_case_of_charles_dexter_ward_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_case_of_charles_dexter_ward_se/characters