The Humbugs of the World · Character
Paine
A man who attempted to humbug Barnum with a fake mermaid.
minor
Also known as Mr. Paine
First appearance: iv
Paine shows up with force in I. The page is where that presence becomes real.
Referenced as 'The Great Shot-at' who promoted water-gas, a scientific humbug.
Paine first appears in 0008 iv.
In I: Referenced as 'The Great Shot-at' who promoted water-gas, a scientific humbug.
Later, in Banner of Light — Messages from the dead — Spiritual civilities — Spirit "hollering" — Hans von Vleet, the female Dutchman — Mrs. Conant's "circles" — Paine's table-tipping humbug exposed.: Medium exposed for using a mechanical lever under the floor to move a table without contact; confessed after being confronted by investigators.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
4 connectionsA slice of how Paine sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Miscellaneous Humbugs and Dupes
- Spiritualist Mediums and Quacks
- Diamond Necklace Conspirators
- Fake Mermaid Exhibitors
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
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
Paine appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- I
- Banner of Light — Messages from the dead — Spiritual civilities — Spirit "hollering" — Hans von Vleet, the female Dutchman — Mrs. Conant's "circles" — Paine's table-tipping humbug exposed.
