# Mr. Venables — The Midnight Guest character guide

> Mr. Venables in The Midnight Guest by Fred M. White.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Venables

**First appearance:** 0012-xiii-a-striking-likness

## Snapshot

A cool-headed schemer who plans the midnight break-in at Silva's house and directs the raid with the calm of a man used to such work.

## Who they are

Venables takes charge of the nocturnal operation to enter the house and rescue Vera, choosing the entry point, timing the strike for midnight, and coolly assigning Walter the first climb through the window. His composure under pressure suggests a man more at home in dangerous enterprises than his companions, and he bears a striking likeness to someone important that the story keeps in reserve. His leadership shapes the raid's early stages and puts the whole party at Silva's mercy.

## Relationships

### [Walter Lance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/characters/walter_lance)

_professional_

Mr. Venables is a legal or business associate of Walter Lance, providing counsel or services.

### [Walter Lance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/characters/walter_lance)

_professional_

Mr. Venables is a legal or business associate of Walter Lance, providing counsel or services.

### [Walter Lance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/characters/walter_lance)

_professional_

Mr. Venables is a legal or business associate of Walter Lance, providing counsel or services.

## In the story

### [VIII: The Mystery Deepens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/viii-the-mystery-deepens)

Walter's journalist friend who suggests the humble garb and accompanies him to the theatre; arranges an interview with Valdo for potential newspaper copy.

### [XII: A Speaking Likeness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xii-a-speaking-likeness)

Accompanies Walter to interview Stevens and helps secure his cooperation with a monetary offer.

### [A Striking Likeness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xiii-a-striking-likness)

Journalist who assists Lance, theorizes a vendetta and suggests Silva's involvement, and bribes Stevens for information.

### [A Missing Link](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xxxi-a-missing-link)

Joins the adventure enthusiastically, arranges disguises and contacts Mr. Bill Perks for dog handling.

### [XXXI: What Does It Mean?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xxxi-what-does-it-mean)

Orchestrates the scheme to pose as surveyors and leads the conversation with Perks and Silva.

### [The Midnight Message](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xxxii-the-midnight-message)

Plans the rescue operation; arranges for Perks to break in; leads the surveillance and pumps the servants for information.

### [An Unexpected Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xxxvii-an-unexpected-friend)

Remains calm and analytical, identifies Stevens as a spy for Valdo, and advises patience.

### [The Hound Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xxxix-the-hound-again)

Venables accompanies Ravenspur in the search.

### [Broken Wings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xl-broken-wings)

Present during the crisis; leaves for London with Walter to bring the Countess Flavio.

### [A Ray of Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xli-a-ray-of-light)

Accompanies Walter to confront the Countess and travel to Cannon Green.

### [Run to Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xlii-run-to-earth)

Assists Walter in finding Bruno and Stevens, then follows Stevens to London.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/characters/mr_venables
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/characters