# Billy Cann — The Eustace Diamonds character guide

> Billy Cann in The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** William, Billy Cann, Cann, Billy

**First appearance:** 0048-xlix-bunfit-and-gager

## Who they are

A small, clever thief who helps steal the diamonds.

## In the story

### [Humpty Dumpty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lvii-humpty-dumpty)

Expresses disgust with the handling of the affair and compares the diamonds to Humpty Dumpty, implying they cannot be recovered.

### [The Fiddle with One String](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lviii-the-fiddle-with-one-string)

Mentioned as a potential cooperator with Gager in capturing the thieves.

### [The Major](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lxviii-the-major)

Mentioned as one of the accomplices who has confessed and will give evidence.

### [Lizzie at the Police-Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lxxiv-lizzie-at-the-police-court)

Gives evidence against the prisoners; described as charming, graceful, and accurate, and withstands cross-examination.

### [The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-trial)

Testifies against the prisoners but is allowed to escape by the police.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/characters/billy_cann
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/characters