# Herbert — The Return character guide

> Herbert in The Return by Walter de la Mare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Herbert, Mr. Herbert Herbert

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

Arthur's brother, who has been minding the family's affairs in his absence and whose gifts—a dog-eared book among them—quietly steer Arthur toward dangerous self-reflection.

## Who they are

Herbert is the brother who kept things running while Arthur was away, and the book he gives Arthur becomes a mirror in which the returning man studies his own altered face. Their relationship is implied rather than dramatized, but Herbert's presence hovers over the household's practical arrangements and Arthur's sense of what he owes. As Arthur's isolation deepens, Herbert stands for the ordinary fraternal world that is slipping out of reach.

## Relationships

### [Arthur Lawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/arthur_lawford)

_friendship_

Arthur and Herbert are close friends, frequently spending time together and supporting each other.

### [Grisel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/grisel)

_family_

Grisel and Herbert are family members, likely siblings or cousins, with a close and affectionate relationship.

### [Nicholas Sabathier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/nicholas_sabathier)

_friendship_

Herbert and Nicholas are friends, sharing common interests and mutual respect.

### [Arthur Lawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/arthur_lawford)

_friendship_

Arthur and Herbert are close friends, frequently spending time together and supporting each other.

### [Arthur Lawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/arthur_lawford)

_friendship_

Arthur and Herbert are close friends, frequently spending time together and supporting each other.

### [Grisel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/grisel)

_family_

Grisel and Herbert are family members, likely siblings or cousins, with a close and affectionate relationship.

### [Nicholas Sabathier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/nicholas_sabathier)

_friendship_

Herbert and Nicholas are friends, sharing common interests and mutual respect.

### [Nicholas Sabathier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/nicholas_sabathier)

_friendship_

Herbert and Nicholas are friends, sharing common interests and mutual respect.

## In the story

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/ix)

The stranger sitting by Sabathier's grave; invites Lawford to his home and reacts with shock upon seeing Lawford's face in the moonlight.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xii)

Reassures Lawford about his sanity; reveals the resemblance to Sabathier; describes a ghost that searches his room and fades into the occupant; theorizes about spiritual possession.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xiii)

Introduces his sister Grisel to Lawford and engages in philosophical discussion about transformation.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned as having given Lawford the book on Sabathier.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xvi)

Mentioned as Grisel's brother, who is interested in Lawford's mystery and lent him the Sabathier book.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xvii)

Herbert attempts to convince Lawford that his change is imagined, using arguments about self-hypnosis and the power of suggestion, while also admitting to embellishing ghost stories.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xviii)

Delivers a monologue on genius and the 'touch' of life; laughs at Lawford's request for a Sabathier translation.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xix)

Orders the governess cart and sends Grisel with a commission; Lawford thinks of his plan to translate the Sabathier book.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xx)

Herbert is caring but cautious, trying to humor Lawford while observing his mental state.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xxi)

Engages in a difficult conversation with Lawford about his transformation and departure, expresses frustration with speech.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters/herbert
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/characters