# The Station Master — The Railway Children character guide

> The Station Master in The Railway Children by E. Nesbit.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Station Master, The Station Master

**First appearance:** 0003-ii-peter-s-coal-mine

## Snapshot

The brisk, uniformed authority at the little country station who scolds the children one moment and quietly bends the rules for them the next.

## Who they are

As the official guardian of the railway the children adopt after their move to Three Chimneys, he represents both the strict order of the line and its surprising capacity for mercy. He bristles at Peter's mischief and the children's unauthorized presence on his platforms, yet his gruff exterior hides a practical sympathy for their reduced circumstances. His shifting tolerance matters because it teaches the children that rules and kindness can coexist, a lesson that shapes how they navigate their new life.

## In the story

### [Peter's Coal-Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se/chapters/ii-peter-s-coal-mine)

Catches Peter stealing coal but shows compassion after learning the family's need, letting the children go free.

### [Prisoners and Captives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se/chapters/v-prisoners-and-captives)

Initially suspicious and considers calling the police, but allows the children to wait for their mother.

### [The Hound in the Red Jersey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se/chapters/xi-the-hound-in-the-red-jersey)

Takes Bobbie's letter to give to the Old Gentleman.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se/characters/station_master
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_railway_children_se/characters