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The Humbugs of the World · Character

Pierson

A follower of Matthias who was murdered by the prophet.

minor

Also known as Elijah Pierson, the unhappy Pierson

First appearance: xlv

Pierson's tie to Folger is one of the pressures that moves The Humbugs of the World—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Elijah Pierson, a wealthy merchant and disciple who believed himself Elijah the Tishbite and later John the Baptist, and who died under suspicious circumstances.
In the storyXLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.Open this moment free

Pierson first appears in 0057 xlv.

With Folger (psychological): Folger and Pierson share a tense, possibly manipulative relationship, with Folger exerting influence over Pierson.

In XLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.: Elijah Pierson, a wealthy merchant and disciple who believed himself Elijah the Tishbite and later John the Baptist, and who died under suspicious circumstances.

See Pierson in XLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

6 connections

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

FOFolgerMMMr. MillsJLJohn LawRMRobert MatthewsMAMatthiasPIPierson

Relationship types

  • Psychological
  • Other

Character groups

  • Fake Mermaid Exhibitors

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Pierson in xlv

In the story

Pierson appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Pierson in xlv
See Pierson in XLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.