# Jimmy Daunt — The Ponson Case character guide

> Jimmy Daunt in The Ponson Case by Freeman Wills Crofts.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Mr. James Daunt, Mr. Daunt, Jimmy Daunt, Daunt, James Daunt

**First appearance:** 0000-i-mystery-at-luce-manor

## Snapshot

A solicitor and cousin whose sharp-eyed loyalty to Austin leads him to weigh evidence, test theories, and confront the possibility that family is the danger.

## Who they are

Daunt serves as the conduit between Austin in his cell and the world outside, carrying news and receiving confidences with a lawyer's caution. He marvels at his cousin Lois's ability to cut through detail to the essential point, yet he is slower to follow where her reasoning leads. When she names Cosgrove as the only man who fits every condition, Daunt must decide whether to trust her logic or shield the family from its implications.

## Relationships

### [Lois Drew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/lois_drew)

_romantic_

Jimmy and Lois share a passionate romantic relationship, with many interactions suggesting deep emotional involvement.

### [Austin Ponson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/austin_ponson)

_friendship_

Austin and Jimmy appear to be close friends or allies, with frequent interactions indicating mutual support.

### [Inspector Tanner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/inspector_tanner)

_professional_

Tanner questions Jimmy Daunt as a suspect, with frequent interactions suggesting intense interrogation.

### [Cosgrove Ponson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/cosgrove_ponson)

_rivalry_

Cosgrove and Jimmy are likely rivals, possibly over Lois Drew or family matters, with frequent tense interactions.

### [Austin Ponson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/austin_ponson)

_friendship_

Austin and Jimmy appear to be close friends or allies, with frequent interactions indicating mutual support.

### [Lois Drew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/lois_drew)

_romantic_

Jimmy and Lois share a passionate romantic relationship, with many interactions suggesting deep emotional involvement.

### [Lois Drew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/lois_drew)

_romantic_

Jimmy and Lois share a passionate romantic relationship, with many interactions suggesting deep emotional involvement.

### [Inspector Tanner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/inspector_tanner)

_professional_

Tanner questions Jimmy Daunt as a suspect, with frequent interactions suggesting intense interrogation.

### [Inspector Tanner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/inspector_tanner)

_professional_

Tanner questions Jimmy Daunt as a suspect, with frequent interactions suggesting intense interrogation.

### [Cosgrove Ponson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/cosgrove_ponson)

_rivalry_

Cosgrove and Jimmy are likely rivals, possibly over Lois Drew or family matters, with frequent tense interactions.

### [Austin Ponson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/austin_ponson)

_friendship_

Austin and Jimmy appear to be close friends or allies, with frequent interactions indicating mutual support.

## In the story

### [IX: Lois Drew Takes a Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/chapters/ix-lois-drew-takes-a-hand)

Lois's cousin and a solicitor; agrees to represent Austin; warns Austin to tell the truth; learns of the damaging evidence including the sighting of Austin rowing to the boathouse.

### [X: A Woman's Wit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/chapters/x-a-woman-s-wit)

Consults with Tanner about Cosgrove's alibi and reluctantly agrees to investigate further at Lois's urging.

### [XIII: Blackmail?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/chapters/xiii-blackmail)

Reveals to Tanner that Cosgrove's alibi is fake, shares his and Lois's investigation, becomes troubled by Austin's lies about meeting Sir William, and tests Austin with news of Douglas's arrest.

### [A Dramatic Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/chapters/xiv-a-dramatic-discovery)

Present as Austin Ponson's solicitor during the identification scene.

### [In the Luce Manor Boathouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/chapters/xv-in-the-luce-manor-boathouse)

Visits Austin in prison, delivers Lois's letter, and listens to Austin's confession.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters/jimmy_daunt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_ponson_case_se/characters