The Rasp · Character

Mr. Belford

A solicitor involved in the affairs of the Hoode family.

minor

Also known as Belford, Robert Belford

First appearance: iii cock robin s house

Mr. Belford's tie to Anthony Gethryn is one of the pressures that moves The Rasp—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Being interrogated by Sergeant Higgins; appears nervous.

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With Anthony Gethryn (professional): Mr. Belford is a professional associate of Anthony Gethryn, likely involved in the investigation or related matters. With Sir Arthur Digby-Coates (professional): Mr. Belford and Sir Arthur Digby-Coates have a professional relationship, possibly as business partners or colleagues. With Anthony Gethryn (professional): Mr. Belford is a professional associate of Anthony Gethryn, likely involved in the investigation or related matters.

Continue beside the text

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

See Mr. Belford in iii cock robin s house

Character Web

23 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Suspects and witnesses
Secondary and background characters
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Dora Masterson’s confession—that she believes her own “senseless, vicious”…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Anthony Gethryn
professional · ambivalent
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
professional · ambivalent
Anthony Gethryn
professional · ambivalent
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
professional · ambivalent
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
professional · ambivalent
Anthony Gethryn
professional · ambivalent

Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Belford is a professional associate of Anthony Gethryn, likely involved in the investigation or related matters.
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
Mr. Belford and Sir Arthur Digby-Coates have a professional relationship, possibly as business partners or colleagues.
Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Belford is a professional associate of Anthony Gethryn, likely involved in the investigation or related matters.
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
Mr. Belford and Sir Arthur Digby-Coates have a professional relationship, possibly as business partners or colleagues.
Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
Mr. Belford and Sir Arthur Digby-Coates have a professional relationship, possibly as business partners or colleagues.
Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Belford is a professional associate of Anthony Gethryn, likely involved in the investigation or related matters.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Belford in iii cock robin s house

In the story

Mr. Belford appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Being interrogated by Sergeant Higgins; appears nervous.
IV: Study
Mentioned as Robert Belford, assistant to Poole and former valet to the deceased; described as confused but not considered a suspect by Boyd.
III
Described as 'ferret-face' and 'fishy'; his nervous manner at the inquest raises suspicion.
X: Birds of the Air
Seen furtively disappearing around a corner; Sir Arthur suspects he knows more.
I
The manservant with a ferret face; Anthony notes his furtive behavior and suspects he knows more.
XVII: By The Owl’s Commissioner
Key witness who entered the study and saw no one else present, providing crucial timing evidence.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Belford in iii cock robin s house

See Mr. Belford in II