The Cask · Character

Clifford

The solicitor who takes on the suspected man's defence, drawn less by duty than by his private delight in the uncommon and bizarre.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Clifford

First appearance: part i london

As a supporting figure in The Cask, Clifford is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Martin's solicitor, who agrees to take on Felix's defense and arranges the visiting order.

In the storyXXI: A New Point of ViewOpen this moment free

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With Mr. Felix (professional): Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. Felix, assisting him in his affairs. With Dr. William Martin (professional): Clifford and Dr. William Martin interact as part of the household…

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

See Clifford in part i london

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Central Investigators and Suspects
Protagonist
Medical and Personal Associates
Minor French Contacts

+12 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

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when La Touche, having barely survived a life-thr…

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Relationships

Mr. Felix
professional · ambivalent
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. How this plays out →
Dr. William Martin
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Felix
professional · ambivalent
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. How this plays out →
Mr. Felix
professional · ambivalent
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. How this plays out →
Dr. William Martin
professional · ambivalent
Dr. William Martin
professional · ambivalent

Mr. Felix
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. Felix, assisting him in his affairs.
Dr. William Martin
Clifford and Dr. William Martin interact as part of the household staff and medical care for Mr. Felix.
Mr. Felix
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. Felix, assisting him in his affairs.
Mr. Felix
Clifford is a servant or employee of Mr. Felix, assisting him in his affairs.
Dr. William Martin
Clifford and Dr. William Martin interact as part of the household staff and medical care for Mr. Felix.
Dr. William Martin
Clifford and Dr. William Martin interact as part of the household staff and medical care for Mr. Felix.

Relationship notes

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

See Clifford in part i london

In the story

Clifford appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXI: A New Point of View
Martin's solicitor, who agrees to take on Felix's defense and arranges the visiting order.
XXII: Felix Tells a Second Story
Felix's lawyer, who questions him closely and reveals incriminating evidence found in Felix's home.
XXIII: Clifford Gets to Work
Clifford is deeply disappointed with Felix's statement and struggles to find a defense. He investigates Felix's alibi, interviews witnesses, and meets with Bonchose.
Mr. Georges La Touche
One of the lawyers representing Felix; he outlines a detailed theory of Boirac's guilt and hires La Touche.
Disappointment
La Touche's employer; receives a detailed report of the disappointing proceedings.
A Clue at Last
Mentioned as La Touche's employer, who would be disappointed if the case against Boirac fails.
XXVII: La Touche’s Dilemma
Sends La Touche a letter updating him on police discoveries and later arranges for Hill to travel to Paris.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Clifford unlock in the free preview.

See Clifford in part i london

See Clifford in XXI: A New Point of View