The Dead Letter · Character

Richard Redfield

A young law student drawn into a murder investigation by love and conscience, whose devotion to Eleanor makes him the story's relentless seeker of truth.

supporting

Also known as Richard, Redfield, Mr. Redfield, Poor Richard, Mr. Richard

First appearance: Our Visits

As a supporting figure in The Dead Letter, Richard Redfield is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The narrator and protagonist, working in the Dead Letter office, who becomes fixated on a mysterious letter.

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Richard Redfield studies law in Mr. Argyll's office and loves Eleanor with an ardor that survives every shock the case delivers. When Henry Moreland is murdered, he consecrates himself to finding the killer, vowing in Eleanor's name never to rest while the murderer goes free. His suspicions, his sleepless nights, and his willingness to face the whole world in her behalf make him the engine of the investigation and the reader's guide through its darkest turns.

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See Richard Redfield in Our Visits

Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central mystery characters
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because the narrator experiences an intense emotional and psychological pe…

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In the story

Richard Redfield appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Letter
The narrator and protagonist, working in the Dead Letter office, who becomes fixated on a mysterious letter.
Events of a Night
Narrator and law student; close to the Argyll family; tasked with informing Eleanor of Henry's murder.
Mr. Burton, the Detective
The narrator; accompanies Burton and James, shares his inner thoughts and suspicions.
Two Links in the Chain
Narrator; returns to Blankville, feels deep anxiety for Eleanor, and observes the tension with James.
VII: Eleanor
Narrator; exhausted and emotionally strained from the investigation; deeply devoted to Eleanor.
IX: The Spider and the Fly
Narrator; struggles with secret relief at finding James Argyll gambling, recalls startling James at the desk, and fears Mr. Burton may suspect him of the murder.
The Little Guest and the Apparition
Narrator; observes Eleanor's spiritual state, arranges Lenore's visit, and investigates ghostly phenomena at Moreland Villa.
The Shadow Assumes Shape
Rejected by Eleanor Argyll, comforted by Mary, and dismissed from his position; leaves town feeling betrayed and heartbroken.
I: The Letter
Narrator and protagonist; now a clerk in the dead-letter office, he discovers the letter and resigns to pursue the mystery.
Our Visits
Narrates the chapter, accompanies Burton, and proposes the trip to Peekskill and California.
III: The Confession
Narrator who accompanies Burton, initially suspicious of Miss Sullivan but moved by her story.
Embarked for California
Narrator and assistant to Mr. Burton; reflects on his past love for Eleanor and his concern for Mary's marriage; experiences a sea-change in outlook.
On the Trail
Narrates the chapter; conducts a desperate search in San Francisco and waits anxiously for Burton's return.
Now for Home Again
The narrator, who listens to Burton's narrative, struggles with anxiety and suspicion about Leesy Sullivan's connection to the murder, and returns to New York with Burton.
VIII: The Ripe Hour
Narrator and suspect; feels betrayed by Burton and terrified of being implicated in the murder.
Joining the Missing Links
Fully exonerated; accepts partnership offer from Mr. Argyll.
X: The New Life
Narrator; works in the office, falls in love with Mary, marries her, and later reflects on Mr. Burton's death.

Chapter companion notes

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See Richard Redfield in Our Visits

See Richard Redfield in The Letter