The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Sir Raffle Buffle

A pompous government knight and Johnny Eames's chief, forever reminding the world how indispensable he is to the Treasury.

supporting

Also known as Sir Raffle, old Buffle

First appearance: The Softness of Sir Raffle Buffle

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

Eames' chief at the Income-tax Office, who praises Eames' tact but warns him to mind his conduct.

In the storyUp in LondonOpen this moment free

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Sir Raffle Buffle cannot mention his private secretary without explaining that Johnny's Continental journey was made with, and could not have been made without, his sanction, and he spars with Harold Smith over who truly understands the Treasury. He is the kind of man who claims to despise humbug while practicing it fluently, and whose self-importance makes him both comic and a genuine obstacle in Johnny's working life. His presence grounds the novel's London scenes in the petty vanities of office, a world away from Barsetshire's graver troubles.

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See Sir Raffle Buffle in The Softness of Sir Raffle Buffle

Character Web

46 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Extended cast and minor characters
Barchester clergy and wives

+41 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

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

Sir Raffle Buffle appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Up in London
Eames' chief at the Income-tax Office, who praises Eames' tact but warns him to mind his conduct.
A New Flirtation
Johnny's superior at the office; they have a tense exchange over punctuality and work expectations.
XLIV: “I Suppose I Must Let You Have It.”
His voice at the corner of the street reminds Crosbie of office affairs, prompting him to seek help from Butterwell.
The Softness of Sir Raffle Buffle
Initially refuses Johnny's leave, but softens after hearing the story of Mr. Crawley and grants permission.
Miss Demolines Desires to Become a Finger-Post
Mentions John's return to work; John's grave demeanor confounds Sir Raffle's mock activity.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Raffle Buffle in The Softness of Sir Raffle Buffle

See Sir Raffle Buffle in Up in London