The Moonstone · Character

Mr. Bruff

The Verinders' shrewd family solicitor, who drew Colonel Herncastle's will and now finds himself entangled with the diamond's dangerous history.

supporting

Also known as the unsuspecting Mr. Bruff, Mr. Bruff—the Great Mr. Bruff, Bruff

First appearance: IV

As a supporting figure in The Moonstone, Mr. Bruff is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The family lawyer, who agrees with Franklin Blake that the story should be recorded for the sake of truth.

In the storyThe Story of the Moonstone BeginsOpen this moment free

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Bruff claims a prescriptive right to the Moonstone's romance: he knew Herncastle's fears, drew the will leaving the jewel to Rachel, and pushed Franklin Blake to carry it to Yorkshire. When a grave, European-dressed Indian calls at his office with a jeweled casket and a request for a loan, Bruff refuses and is struck by the man's unnerving courtesy. His professional caution and dry humor make him both a witness and a brake on the story's mounting recklessness.

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Bruff sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Bruff in IV

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Mr. Bruff sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Moonstone Investigation Core
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological turning point where Franklin Blake confro…

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Relationships

Rachel Verinder
professional · positive
Rachel Verinder
professional · positive
Rachel Verinder
professional · positive

Rachel Verinder
Mr. Bruff serves as Rachel's family solicitor, providing legal counsel and protective guidance throughout the Moonstone affair.
Rachel Verinder
Mr. Bruff serves as Rachel's family solicitor, providing legal counsel and protective guidance throughout the Moonstone affair.
Rachel Verinder
Mr. Bruff serves as Rachel's family solicitor, providing legal counsel and protective guidance throughout the Moonstone affair.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Bruff in IV

In the story

Mr. Bruff appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Story of the Moonstone Begins
The family lawyer, who agrees with Franklin Blake that the story should be recorded for the sake of truth.
VI
The family solicitor; advised Franklin to bring the Moonstone to Rachel and showed him the sealed instructions.
Chapter III
The family solicitor; argues logically about the Moonstone theft, dismissing suspicion on Franklin Blake and Godfrey Ablewhite, and discusses the Indians' actions.
IV
Present during the signing of the will earlier; his manner discourages Miss Clack from speaking.
Chapter VII
Lawyer who escorts Rachel and Aunt Ablewhite to Brighton, taking Godfrey's place.
Chapter VIII
Arrives unexpectedly, supports Rachel against Mr. Ablewhite, and invites her to stay with his family.
Second Narrative
Narrator of this section; provides legal and observational insights into the case.
I
Narrator of this chapter; lawyer for the Verinder family, involved in the will and the broken engagement.
Chapter II
The narrator and solicitor, who receives a visit from an Indian stranger and later interviews Mr. Luker.
Chapter III
Narrator of the chapter; discusses the Moonstone's history and the Indians' plans with Mr. Murthwaite.
I
Franklin's lawyer, who informs him of recent events and tries to dissuade him from pursuing the inquiry.
VI
Mr. Bruff analyzes the evidence and confession, advises Franklin, and agrees to let him see Rachel at his house.
Chapter VIII
The family lawyer; proposes watching Mr. Luker's bank to identify the person who pawned the Moonstone, but is too busy to assist further.
The Opium Experiment Proposed
Blake plans to write to him to get his opinion on Jennings's theory about the diamond's location.
Fourth Narrative
Expresses strong disapproval of the experiment in a letter to Franklin Blake, calling it mischievous and akin to trickery.
III
Worked with the narrator to force Mr. Luker to confess; sifted Luker's statement.
V
Agrees with Mr. Luker's assessment of Godfrey's story; penetrates one of Godfrey's reasons for breaking off the engagement with Rachel.
III: The Statement of Mr. Murthwaite (1850)
Recipient of Murthwaite's letter; referenced as having met Murthwaite in London.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Bruff unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Bruff in IV

See Mr. Bruff in The Story of the Moonstone Begins