The Pit-Prop Syndicate · Character

Mr. Coburn

The Bordeaux sawmill manager whose quiet competence masks a man looking forward to a cottage retirement he may never reach.

supporting

Also known as Francis Coburn

First appearance: The Visit of the Girondin

As a supporting figure in The Pit-Prop Syndicate, Mr. Coburn is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Madeleine's father; is murdered in London, prompting the official investigation.

In the storyPart I: The AmateursOpen this moment free

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In Part I: The Amateurs: Madeleine's father; is murdered in London, prompting the official investigation. Later, in An Interesting Suggestion: The manager at the sawmill; appeared briefly during the scene with the…

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See Mr. Coburn in The Visit of the Girondin

Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Syndicate members and associates

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In "The Pit Prop Syndicate," Part II: The Professionals marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the emoti…

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In the story

Mr. Coburn appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: The Amateurs
Madeleine's father; is murdered in London, prompting the official investigation.
An Interesting Suggestion
The manager at the sawmill; appeared briefly during the scene with the driver and seemed annoyed after a whispered exchange.
A Commercial Proposition
Polite but with veiled hostility; shows surprise at Merriman's visit and appears to share a secret with his daughter.
The Visit of the Girondin
Shows the friends around the works and the Girondin; explains the business and future plans; seems genuine but Hilliard remains wary.
A Change of Venue
Coburn is implicated as a member of the syndicate; his hospitality is seen as a ploy to hinder investigation, and he is late to dinner due to overseeing the Girondin's loading.
X: Merriman Becomes Desperate
Mentioned as being in danger and having left home with Madeleine.
An Unexpected Ally
Returns to the clearing; Merriman observes him making secretive visits to the shed at two a.m. for three consecutive nights.
XII: Murder!
Identified as the likely murder victim through a hotel bill found in his pocket.
A Promising Clue
Deceased; his murder is linked to the syndicate, and his past financial struggles and secret are discussed.
XIV: A Mystifying Discovery
Deceased; his past financial troubles and possible connection to the syndicate are explored.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Coburn in The Visit of the Girondin

See Mr. Coburn in Part I: The Amateurs