The Footsteps at the Lock · Character

Edward Farris

A witness who provides a crucial alibi.

minor

Also known as Farris, Edward Farris, Mr. Farris, Mr. Edward Farris

First appearance: xiv the man in the punt

Edward Farris's tie to Mrs. Bredon is one of the pressures that moves The Footsteps at the Lock—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

See Edward Farris in xiv the man in the punt Book page

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With Mrs. Bredon (social): Edward Farris and Mrs. Bredon are acquaintances, possibly through social circles or family connections. With Mrs. Bredon (social): Edward Farris and Mrs. Bredon are acquaintances, possibly…

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See Edward Farris in xiv the man in the punt

Character Web

11 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Central Mystery Participants
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt is the dramatic climax because it reveals the full psychological reversal: the narrator, previous…

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Relationships

Mrs. Bredon
social · positive
Edward Farris and Mrs. How this plays out →
Mrs. Bredon
social · positive
Edward Farris and Mrs. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Edward Farris in xiv the man in the punt

In the story

Edward Farris appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XV: A New Legacy
Mrs. Coolman's adopted son and alternative heir; now a prime suspect.
XXI: A Walk in the Dark
Arrives at the Gudgeon asking for Inspector Leyland, revealed to be the stranger in the punt.
XXII: Another Story
Narrates his story to Bredon and Leyland, detailing his mission from Mrs. Coolman, his suspicions of Nigel, and his actions on the river.
XXIII: Bredon Plays Patience Again
Present at the Gudgeon, confused when Bredon mentions Luke Wallace crossing the Channel, protests he has not left England.
XXV: A Postscript
Referenced in the explanation of timing issues on the river.

Chapter companion notes

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See Edward Farris in xiv the man in the punt