← All characters

The Origin of Species · Character

Mr. Bates

A naturalist and explorer who studied mimicry in Amazonian butterflies.

minor

Also known as Mr. Bates

First appearance: vii miscellaneous objections to the theory of natural selection

Mr. Bates shows up with force in Objections to the Theory of Natural Selection as Applied to Instincts: Neuter and Sterile Insects. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Cited for analogous cases of caste differences in ants from his work 'Naturalist on the Amazons'.
In the storyObjections to the Theory of Natural Selection as Applied to Instincts: Neuter and Sterile InsectsOpen this moment free

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

In Objections to the Theory of Natural Selection as Applied to Instincts: Neuter and Sterile Insects: Cited for analogous cases of caste differences in ants from his work 'Naturalist on the Amazons'. Later, in…

Continue beside the text

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

See Mr. Bates in vii miscellaneous objections to the theory of natural selection

Character Web

2 connections

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

CDCharles DarwinSJSir John LubbockMBMr. Bates

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Broad intellectual network
  • Protagonist

Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because Darwin shifts from a defensive posture against objectio…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Mr. Bates appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Bates in vii miscellaneous objections to the theory of natural selection