The Diary · Character

Mr. Pierce

A surgeon whose well-appointed table, plentiful wine, and court gossip make him one of Pepys's most useful and pleasant London acquaintances.

supporting

Also known as Pierce, Mr. Pierce the chirurgeon

First appearance: january 1659 60

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Pierce the surgeon keeps a house where Pepys dines on chine of beef, drinks too much wine, and hears his daughter play the virginals, a domestic scene that doubles as a listening post. Through him come tidings of duels, deaths, and the small scandals that Pepys savors, and his wife moves in the same gossipy circle as Mrs. Turner. He matters because he shows the diary's social method: pleasure, information, and obligation all served at the same table.

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See Mr. Pierce in january 1659 60

Character Web

21 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Naval and Court Officials

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the news of the impending naval battle throws the Board into…

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In the story

Mr. Pierce appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

April 1660
Comes on board and drinks wine in Pepys's cabin.
October 1661
Purser consulted about items to be sent to Lord Sandwich for the Queen's provision.
April 1663
Advises Pepys about not disobliging commanders, regarding the Holmes feud.
November 1663
Shares court gossip with Pepys about Lord Sandwich's standing and the King's infatuation with Mrs. Stewart.
January 1663–64
Pepys walks with him at Whitehall and hears gossip about the King and Mrs. Stewart.
May 1664
Pepys visits his house; observes his wife's slatternly habits and sees an opium experiment on a dog.
September 1664
Dines with Pepys and Creed.
December 1665
Pierce brings news from Oxford about Lord Sandwich's favor and the Duke of York's new command.
October 1667
Dines with Pepys and shares gossip about the Marshalls and Nell Gwyn.
August 1668
Attends the dance with his wife and children.

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