# Master Heaviside — The Maid of Sker character guide

> Master Heaviside in The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Heaviside, Mr. Heaviside, poor Heaviside, Naval Instructor Heaviside

**First appearance:** 0001-the-maid-of-sker

## Snapshot

A naval instructor and gunner who once saved a British fleet, now unhappily married to sharp Nanette and tutoring little Bardie.

## Who they are

Heaviside is a seaman-schoolmaster who has set up a snug cabin in Davy's old ferryboat on the Tawe's brink, a retreat from the bosom of his family. Seduced into rapid matrimony with the sharp Nanette, he has six children and fears a seventh, and his old shipmates Jerry and Davy can only sigh over his luck. As Bardie's instructor he ties the salt-water world of the novel to the drawing-room, and his rueful marriage is a running caution against the temptations of shore.

## In the story

### [XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xli-the-right-man-in-the-right-place)

The former first gunnery instructor whom Davy supersedes and sends ashore.

### [After Seven Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvi-after-seven-years)

Old shipmate now living in Davy's former ferryboat, married to Nanette, with six children and another on the way.

### [Mischief in a Household](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvii-mischief-in-a-household)

A retainer who provides Davy and his companions with shelter and information about the goings-on at Narnton Court.

### [A Breathless Disinterment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlviii-a-breathless-disinterment)

Organizes the rabbiting party; anxious about his wife's dog Snap.

### [LV: Upon Foreign Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lv-upon-foreign-service)

Boatswain; nearly eaten by a shark but saved by Davy; reconciles with Davy afterward.

### [Exiles of Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lvi-exiles-of-society)

Mentioned as having a swing of arm that discourages grumbling among the crew.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters/master_heaviside
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters