The First Sir Percy · Character

Pythagoras

A bottomless-barrelled, quick-witted comrade of Diogenes who survives two bullets in the back and a plied-with-wine interrogation to bring back Stoutenburg's war plans.

supporting

Also known as the worthy Pythagoras, Vaguely Pythagoras, Poor old Pythagoras

First appearance: A Night on the Veluwe

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

A bumbling philosopher on his way to the wedding, captured and interrogated by Stoutenburg.

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Pythagoras arrives at Amersfoort feverish and half-dead, having pretended drunkenness while Stoutenburg and an accomplice talked freely of De Berg crossing the Ijssel and Isembourg marching from Kleve. He recognizes his would-be murderers, keeps his knowledge hidden, and insists on delivering his intelligence in person despite the leech's orders. His hoarded secret — and the fateful thing he still struggles to say — is the fuse that sets the story's larger plot alight.

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Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Utrecht Conspiracy Circle
Protagonist
Historical & Peripheral Figures

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Gilda’s idealized love…

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Relationships

Diogenes
friendship · positive
Diogenes and Pythagoras are close companions and fellow adventurers, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →
Diogenes
friendship · positive
Diogenes and Pythagoras are close companions and fellow adventurers, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →
Diogenes
friendship · positive
Diogenes and Pythagoras are close companions and fellow adventurers, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Pythagoras appears across 26 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Night on the Veluwe
A bumbling philosopher on his way to the wedding, captured and interrogated by Stoutenburg.
IV
Arrives at the molen, reveals Diogenes' wedding to Gilda, and is given wine by Stoutenburg.
The Double Wedding
Mentioned as having a sorry plight that suggests deeper troubles.
III
Mentioned as missing; last seen at the Crow's Nest tavern in Ede; search party sent.
VII
Rides pillion behind Socrates, mud-stained and bloodied, presenting a pitiable spectacle.
III: The Great Interruption
Feverish and rambling, he reveals that Stoutenburg and an accomplice are planning to assassinate the Stadtholder, and that he was shot in the back on Stoutenburg's orders.
I
Injured and in pain, carried by Diogenes; receives care from the English physician.
II
Referred to as 'the other' who explains Socrates' condition; exhausted from the journey.
III
Mentioned as being ill, with Diogenes waiting for the physician's verdict on his condition.
IV
Recovering from fever, he recounts his encounter with Stoutenburg and the plot to assassinate the Stadtholder using poison.
IV: Adder's Fork
Mentioned as being left in Socrates's care while Diogenes rides alone.
I
Mentioned as being left in Socrates' care.
A Race for Life
Referenced for his keen ears that warned of De Berg's proximity.
I
Mentioned as having provided intelligence about De Berg's position.
A Nest of Scorpions
Also absent from the guest-chamber; Gilda hoped to find him and Diogenes for support.
Chapter VII
Has also left the house with Diogenes; his whereabouts are unknown to Gilda.
Devil's-Writ
Pythagoras, recovering from a wound, has been watching for Diogenes and secures fresh horses for the chase, including one he acquired by questionable means.
I
Recovering from a wound but leaves his bed to watch for Diogenes' return, ready to assist.
II
Waits with three horses in the marketplace; provides a fresh mount for Diogenes.
IV
Exclaims in excitement and remarks on the horse being goaded, then rides after Diogenes.
VII
Rides back toward Diogenes after slowing down, helps lift the stricken man.
VIII
Returns to Diogenes, dismounts and offers his arm for support.
VII
Pursues Stoutenburg with Socrates, laments the escape.
XVI: The Final Issue
Another loyal familiar of Diogenes, who carries urgent messages to Marquet and assists in the plot.
I
Loyal companion who, with Socrates, lovingly watches over Diogenes during his agony and humiliation.
II
Loyal companion sent with an urgent message to Marquet to bring his army to the relief of Amersfoort.

Chapter companion notes

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