The Rasp · Character

Mr. Hastings

A Fleet Street editor whose sharp instincts and grudging admiration for Gethryn make him the reader's sceptical, indispensable ally in the hunt for Hoode's killer.

supporting

Also known as Hastings

First appearance: ii anthony gethryn

As a supporting figure in The Rasp, Mr. Hastings is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Hastings recruits Anthony Gethryn and accompanies him to Marling, providing initial information about the case.

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In The Rasp: Hastings recruits Anthony Gethryn and accompanies him to Marling, providing initial information about the case. Later, in I: Editor of The Owl, working late on press night; receives the news of John…

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See Mr. Hastings in ii anthony gethryn

Character Web

29 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Social
Other

Character groups

Suspects and witnesses
Protagonist
Gethryn family circle

+24 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”…

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Relationships

Miss Margaret Warren
romantic · positive
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. How this plays out →
Anthony Gethryn
social · ambivalent
Miss Margaret Warren
romantic · positive
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. How this plays out →
Anthony Gethryn
social · ambivalent
Miss Margaret Warren
romantic · positive
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. How this plays out →
Anthony Gethryn
social · ambivalent

Miss Margaret Warren
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. Hastings have a romantic relationship, with frequent interactions indicating strong personal involvement.
Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Hastings is a social acquaintance of Anthony Gethryn, interacting within the broader social network of the story.
Miss Margaret Warren
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. Hastings have a romantic relationship, with frequent interactions indicating strong personal involvement.
Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Hastings is a social acquaintance of Anthony Gethryn, interacting within the broader social network of the story.
Miss Margaret Warren
Miss Margaret Warren and Mr. Hastings have a romantic relationship, with frequent interactions indicating strong personal involvement.
Anthony Gethryn
Mr. Hastings is a social acquaintance of Anthony Gethryn, interacting within the broader social network of the story.

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Hastings in ii anthony gethryn

In the story

Mr. Hastings appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Rasp
Hastings recruits Anthony Gethryn and accompanies him to Marling, providing initial information about the case.
I
Editor of The Owl, working late on press night; receives the news of John Hoode's murder from Margaret Warren.
II
Dictates the murder report to Margaret Warren, then reluctantly calls Anthony Gethryn at her suggestion.
I
The person who telephones Anthony at two o'clock in the morning and recruits him for The Owl.
III
Mentioned as the one who recruited Anthony for the case.
The Inefficiency of Margaret
Returns to find Margaret's note and rushes to her rescue; disarms Masterson and comforts Margaret after the ordeal.
I
Absent from his office; Margaret tries to locate him but fails.
II
Seated at the press table; Anthony ignores him.
III
Reports on the inquest, argues for Deacon's guilt based on fingerprints and evidence.
IV
Prepares the invalid at his flat; Anthony and Lucia meet him briefly.
XIV: Hay-Fever
Editor of The Owl; Anthony tasks him with investigating the ownership of newspapers via a private detective.
I
The editor of The Owl, found with his secretary; receives Anthony's instructions and is bewildered by his behavior.
XV: Anthony’s Busy Day
Present at The Owl's office during Anthony's meeting with Mr. Pellett.
II
Sends a telegram to Anthony about 'astounding revelations'.
III
Present in his room, has arranged a meeting with Mr. Pellett.
I
Mentioned as having rung up early in the morning about Jim's improvement.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Hastings in ii anthony gethryn

See Mr. Hastings in The Rasp