The Man in Lower Ten · Character

Richey McKnight

The narrator's blond, cigarette-smoking friend and fellow lawyer, whose easy charm with women masks a sharp investigative mind.

major

Also known as McKnight, Richey, Downstairs McKnight

First appearance: I Go to Pittsburg

As a major figure in The Man in Lower Ten, Richey McKnight is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Blakeley's law partner; he begs off the trip, citing car sickness, and later brings the forged notes to Blakeley's home.

In the storyI Go to PittsburgOpen this moment free

McKnight turns the arrest of the harmless clerk Stuart into a comedy of errors, laughing over nightshirts and scarf pins while the case against the real culprit slips further away. Women have always loved him, perhaps because he always loved them, and the narrator watches him with a mixture of affection and quiet envy. His dry humor and willingness to chase theories into Baltimore keep the investigation moving when the police have stalled.

See Richey McKnight in I Go to Pittsburg Book page

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it forces the protagonist to confront the emotional peak of his je…

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In the story

Richey McKnight appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I Go to Pittsburg
Blakeley's law partner; he begs off the trip, citing car sickness, and later brings the forged notes to Blakeley's home.
A Torn Telegram
Mentioned as visiting a lady in Richmond; the narrator recalls McKnight's warning about queer things coming and his vision at the window of the empty house.
VIII: The Second Section
Mentioned in the narrator's reflections on hysteria and honor; not present in the chapter's action.
IX: The Halcyon Breakfast
Mentioned as the man Alison West is traveling to meet; the narrator's loyalty to him creates internal conflict.
Miss West's Request
Referenced by Alison West; she asks Blakeley not to tell Richey about having met her.
The Name Was Sullivan
Visits Blakeley, expresses concern, and theorizes about the murder and the stolen notes.
The Gold Bag
Visits the narrator, discusses his romantic interest in Alison West, and makes a phone call to the hospital about the injured woman.
XIII: Faded Roses
Visits daily, reports on the woman in Baltimore, plays double solitaire, and reveals that Johnson is watching Blakeley.
The Cinematograph
Accompanies the narrator, teases him about the mysterious woman, and helps evade Johnson.
The Shadow of a Girl
Attends the dinner, teases Blakeley about his infatuation, and later witnesses the purse exchange, leading to a strained silence between them.
At the Farmhouse Again
Accompanies the narrator to M—; questions the station agent and later slaps Hotchkiss on the back in approval.
A New World
Comments on the irony of the case and examines the gateposts at the farmhouse.
At the Table Next
Dines with the narrator, observes Bronson and the woman, and warns the narrator to 'jolly her a little.'
XXV: At the Station
Seen at the station with Alison, talking earnestly; the narrator leaves them together.
XXVI: On to Richmond
Arranges the interview with Sullivan; shows loyalty and concern for Blakeley; recalls past romantic rivalry over Dorothy Browne.
In the Dining-Room
Calls the narrator with news of progress, plans the confrontation at Mrs. Conway's apartment, and arms himself for the encounter.
XXX: Finer Details
Restrains Hotchkiss and later arrives with a bottle to toast the detectives.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Richey McKnight unlock in the free preview.

See Richey McKnight in I Go to Pittsburg