The Humbugs of the World · Character
Sir John Herschel
An astronomer whose name was used in the Great Moon Hoax.
minor
Also known as Herschel
First appearance: xxxi
Sir John Herschel's tie to George W. Gage is one of the pressures that moves The Humbugs of the World—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The real astronomer whose name was used in the hoax; he was forced to issue a denial after the story spread globally.
Sir John Herschel first appears in 0040 xxxi.
With George W. Gage (professional): George W. Gage and Sir John Herschel are connected through scientific or astronomical endeavors, possibly as colleagues or promoter and scientist. With Tom Simmons (professional): Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers. With Tom Simmons (professional): Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Sir John Herschel sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Moon Hoax and Barnum Dupes
- Miscellaneous Humbugs and Dupes
- Protagonist
- Spiritualist Mediums and Quacks
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- 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 readingRelationships
- George W. Gage
professional · positive
- Tom Simmons
professional · positive
- Tom Simmons
professional · positive
- George W. Gage
professional · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Sir John Herschel in xxxiIn the story
Sir John Herschel 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 Sir John Herschel unlock in the free preview.
See Sir John Herschel in xxxi