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The Diary · Character

Sir William Penn

A veteran naval commander and commissioner, father of the future founder of Pennsylvania, whose sudden departures to sea unsettle the office.

supporting

Also known as Sir W. Penn, Penn, W. Penn, Sir William Penn

First appearance: january 1659 60

As a supporting figure in The Diary, Sir William Penn is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dines with Lord Sandwich and discusses political matters.
In the storyApril 1660Open this moment free

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Penn is a man of action thrust into administration, respected for his seamanship but watched closely by Pepys for his temper and his interests. When he is ordered aboard ship, the office crowds with suitors seeking his…

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See Sir William Penn in january 1659 60

Character Web

22 connections

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

SWSir William Ba…EMEdward Montagu…CCCaptain CockeSPSamuel PepysMPMr. PovySWSir William Penn

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Naval and Court Officials
  • Protagonist

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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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Relationships

Relationship notes

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See Sir William Penn in january 1659 60

In the story

Sir William Penn appears across 73 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir William Penn in january 1659 60