The Napoleon of Notting Hill · Character

Mr. Turnbull

A sceptical, honourable veteran who doubts the Notting Hill cause but fights and dies in it with a youth he thought he had lost.

supporting

Also known as Turnbull, General Turnbull, the Remarkable Mr. Turnbull

First appearance: The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull

As a supporting figure in The Napoleon of Notting Hill, Mr. Turnbull is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The remarkable chemist who Wayne recruits, responding with enthusiasm to being called a 'world-old necromancer'.

In the storyBook III: The Mental Condition of Adam Wayne and The Remarkable Mr. TurnbullOpen this moment free

Turnbull enters the story as a voice of hard-headed doubt, unwilling to be swept up in Wayne's romantic fervour. Yet when the final battle comes, he stands with Notting Hill and charges into the spears of Shepherd's Bush, remarking that he has had his youth. His late conversion gives the war its tragic dignity, showing what Wayne's sincerity can win from a cynic.

See Mr. Turnbull in Book III: The Mental Condition of Adam Wayne and The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

9 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Notting Hill War Leaders
Protagonist

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when Barker, a figure of established power, is reduced to frantic, stammering confus…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Adam Wayne
rivalry · negative
Auberon Quin
professional · ambivalent
Adam Wayne
rivalry · negative
Adam Wayne
rivalry · negative
Auberon Quin
professional · ambivalent

Adam Wayne
Adam Wayne and Mr. Turnbull are opponents in the war, with Turnbull being one of the military leaders opposing Wayne's forces.
Auberon Quin
Auberon Quin and Mr. Turnbull have a formal professional relationship as King and a military officer.
Adam Wayne
Adam Wayne and Mr. Turnbull are opponents in the war, with Turnbull being one of the military leaders opposing Wayne's forces.
Adam Wayne
Adam Wayne and Mr. Turnbull are opponents in the war, with Turnbull being one of the military leaders opposing Wayne's forces.
Auberon Quin
Auberon Quin and Mr. Turnbull have a formal professional relationship as King and a military officer.

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Turnbull in The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull

In the story

Mr. Turnbull appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III: The Mental Condition of Adam Wayne and The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull
The remarkable chemist who Wayne recruits, responding with enthusiasm to being called a 'world-old necromancer'.
The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull
Toyshop keeper who becomes Wayne's military commander; initially appears as a mild-mannered shopman but reveals a strategic mind and a love of absurd humor.
Book IV
Ruling Pump Street in Wayne's absence; organized the commandeering of cabs and horses for the sortie.
III: The Great Army of South Kensington
Mentioned as General Turnbull of Notting Hill, who expelled Wilson's forces from Pump Street.
Book V
Commands the right flank, charges against Barker's men and carries the Red Lion banner.
I: The Empire of Notting Hill
General Turnbull listens to Wayne's prediction of defeat and expresses surprise, but agrees they will likely be beaten.
II: The Last Battle
Commands the Notting Hill right, breaks Barker's men, then charges into the spears of Shepherd's Bush and dies.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Turnbull in The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull

See Mr. Turnbull in Book III: The Mental Condition of Adam Wayne and The Remarkable Mr. Turnbull