The Gadfly · Character

Dr. Riccardo

The group's physician, wry and practical, who prescribes physic, mocks his convalescent patient, and knows everyone's business.

supporting

Also known as Riccardo

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Gadfly, Dr. Riccardo is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Suggests recruiting the Gadfly (Felice Rivarez) for satirical work; defends Rivarez's character.

In the storyIOpen this moment free

See Dr. Riccardo in I Book page

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Riccardo tends the Gadfly through a rapid recovery, teasing him about calling on the Grassinis and refusing to trade his bottled tapeworm for an Indian dagger. He is the one who announces that Signora Bolla will nurse the patient, and who laughs off the Gadfly's sudden alarm about propriety. Brisk, unsentimental, and thoroughly inside the revolutionary circle, he keeps its bodies and its gossip in working order.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Dr. Riccardo sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Dr. Riccardo in I

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Revolutionary network and allies
Protagonist
Central characters and family

+10 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 story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the Gadfly, ha…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

The Gadfly
friendship · positive
Martini
friendship · positive
Martini
friendship · positive
The Gadfly
friendship · positive
The Gadfly
friendship · positive
Martini
friendship · positive

The Gadfly
Dr. Riccardo is a fellow revolutionary and physician who admires and cares for the Gadfly.
Martini
Riccardo and Martini are close comrades in the revolutionary movement, sharing mutual respect and camaraderie.
Martini
Riccardo and Martini are close comrades in the revolutionary movement, sharing mutual respect and camaraderie.
The Gadfly
Dr. Riccardo is a fellow revolutionary and physician who admires and cares for the Gadfly.
The Gadfly
Dr. Riccardo is a fellow revolutionary and physician who admires and cares for the Gadfly.
Martini
Riccardo and Martini are close comrades in the revolutionary movement, sharing mutual respect and camaraderie.

Relationship notes

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

See Dr. Riccardo in I

In the story

Dr. Riccardo appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Suggests recruiting the Gadfly (Felice Rivarez) for satirical work; defends Rivarez's character.
III
Also surprised by the Gadfly's luxurious habits.
IV
Present during the Gadfly's appearance; notices Gemma's distress.
V
Hosts the committee meeting, supports the Gadfly's capabilities, and vouches for his presence of mind.
VII
Attends to the Gadfly, describes his condition and contradictions.
VIII
Attends to the Gadfly, jokes about the Grassinis, and leaves before Gemma arrives.
IX
Observes the Gadfly's interest in Montanelli's sermons and questions his motives.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Dr. Riccardo unlock in the free preview.

See Dr. Riccardo in I