# Mr. Argyll — The Dead Letter character guide

> Mr. Argyll in The Dead Letter by Metta Victor.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Argyll, young Argyll

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-i-the-letter

## Snapshot

A prosperous lawyer and indulgent father whose comfortable household becomes the stage for a murder investigation that will shatter his family's peace.

## Who they are

Mr. Argyll presides over a warm, well-ordered home where his law student Richard Redfield is treated almost as a son, and where his nephew James lounges in uneasy idleness. His indulgent affection for his daughters and his trust in those around him make him slow to suspect the rot already spreading beneath his roof. When violence strikes close to his circle, his health and authority crumble, and his decline becomes one measure of how thoroughly the crime has poisoned ordinary domestic life.

## In the story

### [Events of a Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/chapters/part-i-ii-events-of-a-night)

Father of Eleanor; Richard's mentor; deeply concerned for Eleanor after the murder.

### [Two Links in the Chain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/chapters/part-i-vi-two-links-in-the-chain)

Looks thin and careworn; discusses partnership with Richard and expresses grief over Eleanor's condition.

### [X: The Anniversary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/chapters/part-i-x-the-anniversary)

Appears constrained and formal with Burton; wanders restlessly on the anniversary, with the office closed and blinds shut.

### [X: The New Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/chapters/part-ii-x-the-new-life)

Health poor; dies two years after the events; gives paternal blessing to Richard and Mary.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/characters/mr_argyll
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dead_letter_se/characters