# Laurie Baxter — The Necromancers character guide > Laurie Baxter in The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Laurie, Dear Laura, Master Laurie, Mr. Laurence, Mr. Laurie, Mr. Lawrence, Laurie’s, Laurie **First appearance:** 0002-i ## Who they are A young, impetuous Catholic convert whose grief for a dead girl drives him into the arms of a medium who promises proof of the afterlife. ## Relationships ### [Maggie Deronnais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/maggie_deronnais) _romantic_ Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _family_ Laurie's father, who is concerned about his son's spiritualist interests and tries to guide him back to conventional life. ### [Mr. Vincent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_vincent) _psychological_ Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices. ### [Mr. James Morton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_james_morton) _friendship_ James is Laurie's friend and confidant, who tries to warn him about the dangers of his spiritualist involvement. ### [Amy Nugent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/amy_nugent) _romantic_ Amy is Laurie's former sweetheart, and their relationship is strained by his obsession with Maggie and the occult. ### [Mrs. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mrs_baxter) _family_ Laurie's mother, who is more sympathetic to his emotional turmoil but also worried about his mental state. ### [Mr. Jamieson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_jamieson) _professional_ Mr. Jamieson is a lawyer or business associate of the Baxter family, interacting with Laurie on practical matters. ### [Maggie Deronnais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/maggie_deronnais) _romantic_ Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _family_ Laurie's father, who is concerned about his son's spiritualist interests and tries to guide him back to conventional life. ### [Mr. Vincent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_vincent) _psychological_ Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _family_ Laurie's father, who is concerned about his son's spiritualist interests and tries to guide him back to conventional life. ### [Mr. Vincent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_vincent) _psychological_ Mr. Vincent is a spiritualist mentor who manipulates Laurie's grief and curiosity, drawing him deeper into dangerous practices. ## In the story ### [The Necromancers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/the-necromancers) Grieving fiancé of Amy Nugent, increasingly obsessed with spiritualism and contacting the dead. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Laurie has just returned from Amy Nugent's funeral, visibly pale and drawn-eyed. His grief and obsession with Amy are central to the chapter. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Writes an enthusiastic letter to Maggie about séances and Amy Nugent, revealing his growing obsession. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Appears self-contained and pinched, has been attending Mass, causing Maggie's concern. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Shows a detached but growing interest in spiritualism, questioning Maggie's views. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Deep in grief, he is drawn to Spiritualism, reading books on the subject and defending its plausibility to Maggie. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Laurie is in a deeply perturbed and excited state, having read the spiritualist book. He attempts to summon Amy's spirit in the garden, demonstrating his growing obsession and emotional turmoil. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Visits Lady Laura's house, expresses skepticism but also intense curiosity about spiritualism, agrees to attend a séance. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Attends the séance, initially skeptical but becomes emotionally engaged by Mr. Vincent's arguments. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Participates in the séance and experiences a trance, later disturbed by the medium's revelations. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/v) Writes to Maggie from London, expressing grief over Amy's death and a new interest in spiritualism, influenced by Lady Laura. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Laurie is absent but central; his letter and past actions provoke Maggie's reflections. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Writes a letter to Maggie, agreeing to come home for Christmas, and is the subject of Mrs. Baxter's concerns about his religious state. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/vi) Writes a disturbing letter to Maggie, revealing her obsession with Amy and her desire to contact her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Struggles with fear and skepticism after the séance, tries to rationalize the experience, but is shaken by Mr. Vincent's visit. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Returns home in a determined but nervous mood, concealing his ongoing preoccupation with Amy and Spiritualism. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Laurie is excited and defensive about his Spiritualist experiences, having written to Mr. Vincent to continue, and shows signs of nervousness and possible trance. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/vii) His deteriorating condition is the central topic of the chapter, as he remains obsessed with Amy and refuses to eat or sleep. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) The young convert whose powers Mr. Vincent seeks to develop. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Returns to town in a state of quiet conviction about Spiritualism, preparing for a séance and reflecting on his changed beliefs. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Undergoes a profound out-of-body experience, perceiving space and time as illusions, and encounters a terrifying presence when trying to return to his body. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Seeks understanding from Mr. Vincent, struggles with fear and doubt, and is tempted to continue exploring the occult. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/viii) His letter reveals an obsessive preoccupation with Amy Nugent; his appearance and demeanor at Stantons show a marked transformation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Arrives for the séance, initially bored but warned by Lady Laura of risks; agrees to follow the medium's instructions. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Laurie is the central figure, processing the aftermath of the séance and experiencing a crisis of faith. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Shows fanatical devotion to spiritualism, discusses automatic writing and his obsession with Amy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as being overly involved in Spiritualism, causing concern. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Subject of the conversation; his involvement in Spiritualism is a concern to Maggie and the priest. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) His state of nerves prompts Maggie to seek advice; appears in Maggie's vision staring at a door. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xi) Writes to Maggie from Stantons, describing her obsession with Amy Nugent and her belief that Amy is trying to communicate with her. She appears ecstatic and convinced of her mission. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Laurie is at the Cock Inn for lunch, annoyed by the intrusion on his usual seat. He is a Catholic interested in Spiritualism, having attended séances with Mr. Vincent. He feels patronized by Mr. Cathcart's warnings and leaves indignantly. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) The young man whose obsession with spiritualism worries Cathcart and Morton; they plot to intervene. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Sits alone in his rooms, deeply preoccupied with his spiritualist experiences and the upcoming séance. He dismisses a letter from Mr. Cathcart as fanatical and writes a reply, showing his growing commitment to the occult path. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xii) Laurie is depicted as being deeply affected by the séance and the presence of Amy, showing signs of obsession and a transformation that concerns those around him. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the focus of Lady Laura's concern; she fears his sensitivity makes him vulnerable to danger. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Subject of the warning; his health and nervous system are suffering due to séance excitement. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xiii) Writes a letter to Maggie expressing his obsession with Amy's spirit, showing signs of psychological distress. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Quiet and strained, with bright eyes; despite warnings, he is drawn into the séance and ultimately disrupts it. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xiv) Shows signs of possession and obsession with Amy, becoming distant and changed. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) The subject of concern; attended a séance and is now reportedly unwell, showing signs of severe mental strain. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Maggie writes to him, hoping he will come down earlier for Easter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Described as tired, quiet, fidgeting, and complaining of a headache at the back of his head. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xv) Shows signs of possession and obsession with Amy, leading to concern from others. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Referenced as the suitor whose intentions toward Amy were a 'false dawn'. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as having been seen passing by the Nugent house just after dark. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xvi) Consumed by her obsession with Amy Nugent, she speaks of seeing Amy's face and hearing her voice, and is determined to communicate with her through séances. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Expected to arrive at any moment; his state is the source of Maggie's anxiety. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) He arrives at Stantons but behaves strangely, with a fixed gaze and no verbal response, alarming Maggie. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) In a disturbed state, not himself; Maggie and Cathcart discuss his condition as an obsession. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Appears in Mrs. Baxter's vision with a malign expression, though his actual presence is uncertain. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xvii) Writes to Maggie from Stantons, describing her obsession with Amy and her fear of the supernatural. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Sits in the smoking room, the object of Maggie's confrontation. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Shows signs of possession: unnatural voice, hostile reactions, and inability to respond as himself. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Host to the possessing entity, which speaks and acts through him, showing unnatural laughter and stiffness. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xviii) Awakens quietly, agrees to never speak of the events, appears transformed and contemplative. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/epilogue) Maggie mentions Laurie's experiences and his current state, noting that the events seem dim to him now. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters