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The Eye of Osiris · Character

John Bellingham

An Egyptologist who returned from the desert with a case of antiquities and then vanished from his relative's study without a trace, leaving only a broken scarab behind.

major

Also known as Mr. John Bellingham, Bellingham, the late John Bellingham, Poor John Bellingham

First appearance: The Vanishing Man

As a major figure in The Eye of Osiris, John Bellingham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The missing man, an archaeologist who recently returned from Egypt; last seen at Mr.
In the storyThe Vanishing ManOpen this moment free

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John Bellingham is the man at the center of the mystery: a well-known collector who came back from Egypt, called on his relative Mr. Hurst at Eltham, and was never seen leaving the house. His disappearance leaves a will…

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See John Bellingham in The Vanishing Man

Character Web

7 connections

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

RBRuth BellinghamJEJervisDBDoctor BarnardGHGeorge HurstOSOsirisJBJohn Bellingham

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Minor and Background Characters
  • Central Investigation Characters

+2 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological nadir of the narrator's d…

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In the story

John Bellingham appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for John Bellingham unlock in the free preview.

See John Bellingham in The Vanishing Man
Who is John Bellingham in The Eye of Osiris?