The Humbugs of the World · Character
Old Colonel P.
A man who was swindled by a humbug about a petrified man.
minor
Also known as Colonel, Colonel P.
First appearance: iv
Old Colonel P. shows up with force in XVIII. The page is where that presence becomes real.
Sold whiskey by sample from a pure barrel, then planned to 'rectify' it before delivery; was caught and forced to pay off the carman.
Old Colonel P. first appears in 0008 iv.
In XVIII: Sold whiskey by sample from a pure barrel, then planned to 'rectify' it before delivery; was caught and forced to pay off the carman.
Later, in The Peter Funks and Their Functions: Mentioned as a type of victim; the chapter focuses on a specific unnamed country clergyman who was swindled by the Funks.
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Character Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Old Colonel P. sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Diamond Necklace Conspirators
- Miscellaneous Humbugs and Dupes
- Spiritualist Mediums and Quacks
- Fake Mermaid Exhibitors
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter serves as the dramatic climax because it shifts from exposing specific humbugs to delivering a un…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Old Colonel P. appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Old Colonel P. unlock in the free preview.
See Old Colonel P. in iv