The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Augustus Musselboro

A shadowy City man who shares offices and dubious dealings with Dobbs Broughton, and answers to the unseen Mrs. Van Siever.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Musselboro, Musselboro, Gus

First appearance: xxxiv mrs proudie sends for her lawyer

As a supporting figure in The Last Chronicle of Barset, Augustus Musselboro is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Partner in the business, mediates between Broughton and Mrs.

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Musselboro keeps a dark closet of an office for appearances but works mostly in Broughton's room, lending money and trading on account in schemes whose real partner is a woman whose name never appears on the doorpost. He warns Broughton not to smoke because 'she' is coming, revealing a hierarchy in which the flashy stockbroker is not the one in charge. His quiet, calculating presence introduces the novel's financial underworld, where Clara Van Siever's fate and the Broughton household's stability are quietly being gambled away.

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Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Extended cast and minor characters

+21 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when John Eames, after years of unrequited love f…

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In the story

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

Hook Court
Partner in the business, mediates between Broughton and Mrs. Van Siever, pacifies her and arranges a partial payment.
Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City
Sits in Broughton's chair, refuses Crosbie's request for renewal, claiming money is tight.
Mrs. Dobbs Broughton Piles Her Fagots
Mentioned as having power to make things unpleasant for the Broughtons, along with Mrs. Van Siever.
The End of Jael and Sisera
Mentioned as the intended husband for Clara and successor to Dobbs Broughton's business, according to Mrs. Van Siever's plans.
The Tragedy in Hook Court
Witnesses the aftermath of the suicide and informs Dalrymple; visibly shaken.
Miss Van Siever Makes Her Choice
Arrives at Mrs. Van Siever's house, hoping to court Clara, but is rebuffed.
Madalina's Heart Is Bleeding
Mentioned as becoming rich and marrying Clara Van Siever.

Chapter companion notes

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See Augustus Musselboro in xxxiv mrs proudie sends for her lawyer

See Augustus Musselboro in Hook Court