# Augustus Musselboro — The Last Chronicle of Barset character guide

> Augustus Musselboro in The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Musselboro, Musselboro, Gus

**First appearance:** 0033-xxxiv-mrs-proudie-sends-for-her-lawyer

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Hook Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xliii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/li-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxiv-the-tragedy-in-hook-court)

Witnesses the aftermath of the suicide and informs Dalrymple; visibly shaken.

### [Miss Van Siever Makes Her Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxxv-madalina-s-heart-is-bleeding)

Mentioned as becoming rich and marrying Clara Van Siever.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/characters/augustus_musselboro
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/characters