James Barker

Auberon Quin

Auberon Quin, as King, and James Barker, as a prominent businessman and later Provost of South Kensington, interact primarily as political and administrative figures in the governance of the city.

Mr. Buck

James Barker and Mr. Buck are colleagues and fellow businessmen, working together in the commercial and political spheres of the city.

Adam Wayne

Adam Wayne and James Barker are direct enemies in the conflict, with Barker leading the forces against Wayne's Notting Hill rebellion.

Mr. Lambert

James Barker and Mr. Lambert are business and political allies, working together to oppose Wayne's rebellion.

General Wilson

General Wilson and James Barker are military and political collaborators, coordinating the campaign against Notting Hill.

Auberon Quin

Auberon Quin, as King, and James Barker, as a prominent businessman and later Provost of South Kensington, interact primarily as political and administrative figures in the governance of the city.

Auberon Quin

Auberon Quin, as King, and James Barker, as a prominent businessman and later Provost of South Kensington, interact primarily as political and administrative figures in the governance of the city.

Mr. Buck

James Barker and Mr. Buck are colleagues and fellow businessmen, working together in the commercial and political spheres of the city.

Mr. Buck

James Barker and Mr. Buck are colleagues and fellow businessmen, working together in the commercial and political spheres of the city.

Adam Wayne

Adam Wayne and James Barker are direct enemies in the conflict, with Barker leading the forces against Wayne's Notting Hill rebellion.

Adam Wayne

Adam Wayne and James Barker are direct enemies in the conflict, with Barker leading the forces against Wayne's Notting Hill rebellion.

Mr. Lambert

James Barker and Mr. Lambert are business and political allies, working together to oppose Wayne's rebellion.

The Napoleon of Notting Hill

A developer and council member who opposes Wayne's plans and represents the commercial interests.

Book I

One of the two tall clerks who walks ahead with Lambert; later follows Quin in a state of bewilderment during the King's procession.

II: The Man in Green

A lean, elegant, and powerful official with a blank handsome face and bleak blue eyes. He articulates the philosophy of the new despotism, arguing that democracy fulfills itself in despotism and that all men are equally idiotic.

The Hill of Humour

Accompanies Quin and Lambert, pretends to appreciate Quin's humour, and is anxious about Quin's antics.

Book II

One of the Provosts, contemptuous of Wayne's stance, representing modern practicality.

The Charter of the Cities

Barker confronts the King about his frivolous behavior, arguing for public necessity, but is outwitted by Quin's playful logic.

The Council of the Provosts

Visits the King with Lambert, alarmed to learn the King intends to implement the charter seriously, and is appointed Lord High Provost of South Kensington.

III: Enter a Lunatic

Present among the other provosts, he reacts with contempt and disbelief to Wayne's declaration, his nostrils curling in disdain.

The Experiment of Mr. Buck

Barker argues pragmatically with the King, then at the council presses Wayne to accept the offer, accusing him of malice. He grows frantic when the King supports Wayne, and later agrees with Buck's plan to treat Wayne as a lunatic.

Book IV

Rides in a hansom with Quin, reports the 'good news' of Buck's numerical superiority, and commands the South Kensington Blues.

The Battle of the Lamps

Reports the defeat to Buck; describes the disorienting and nightmarish experience of the initial assault, feeling lost in the maze of streets.

The Correspondent of the Court Journal

Arrives at the office after Buck; reports on the fighting and acknowledges the spiritual influence of Adam Wayne.

III: The Great Army of South Kensington

As Lord High Provost of South Kensington, he leads the allied army and receives Wayne's surrender ultimatum, ultimately agreeing to surrender.

Book V

Moves on the right, is checked by Turnbull, and his men fall fast.

I: The Empire of Notting Hill

Barker draws a dagger and sword, shouting 'South Kensington!' and fights in the street, eventually being struck down by a man of Notting Hill.

II: The Last Battle

Leads his forces against Notting Hill, is wounded in the neck by Wayne after taunting him about the empire's size.