# Mr. James Morton — The Necromancers character guide

> Mr. James Morton in The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Morton, Morton, James Morton, Mr.  James Morton, Jim, Mr.  Morton

**First appearance:** 0005-ii

## Who they are

A competent, no-nonsense barrister whose friendship with Laurie Baxter is tested by the boy's growing obsession with Spiritualism, and who offers a skeptical counterweight.

## Relationships

### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter)

_friendship_

James is Laurie's friend and confidant, who tries to warn him about the dangers of his spiritualist involvement.

### [Maggie Deronnais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/maggie_deronnais)

_social_

Maggie and Morton are acquainted through Laurie, but Morton is suspicious of her motives and methods.

### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter)

_friendship_

James is Laurie's friend and confidant, who tries to warn him about the dangers of his spiritualist involvement.

### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter)

_friendship_

James is Laurie's friend and confidant, who tries to warn him about the dangers of his spiritualist involvement.

### [Maggie Deronnais](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/maggie_deronnais)

_social_

Maggie and Morton are acquainted through Laurie, but Morton is suspicious of her motives and methods.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii)

A pragmatic barrister who warns Laurie against spiritualism, calling it dangerous and unhealthy.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i)

Writes to Maggie expressing concern about Laurie's Spiritualism and suggests contacting Mr. Cathcart.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as a sensible friend of Laurie, whose letter Father Mahon reads and approves.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i)

Enters the Cock Inn and is called over by Mr. Cathcart. He introduces Cathcart to Laurie, mentioning Laurie's interest in Spiritualism. He remains detached during the conversation.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii)

A practical lawyer who is skeptical of spiritualism and puzzled by Cathcart's serious belief in it.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii)

Reports his observations of Laurie Baxter to Cathcart, skeptical of the supernatural theories.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_james_morton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters