The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Character

Major Maitland

A genial man of the world who has wandered through Paris and London, the Major turns up in Manchester with news and a taste for good suppers.

supporting

Also known as Maitland, Major, the Major, The Major

First appearance: The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane

As a supporting figure in The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane, Major Maitland is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Involved in discussions with Pauline, representing a contrasting perspective on religion and reform.

In the storyThe Revolution in Tanner’s LaneOpen this moment free

Major Maitland moves easily between Mrs. Coleman's parlour and the radical club, a soldier of fortune whose cosmopolitan talk about France unsettles her tidy English certainties. He refuses to be upset by talk of the fatal night in London, preferring to steer conversation toward what Manchester will do in the coming twelvemonth. His worldly tolerance and revolutionary connections make him a bridge between the drawing room and the conspiracy, and a foil to Zachariah's earnest faith.

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Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Revolutionary Core & Family
Protagonist
Community & Religious Factions

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

The "Endnotes" chapter serves as the story's dramatic climax because it presents a direct, intertextual call t…

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Relationships

Zachariah Coleman
rivalry · negative
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing… How this plays out →
George Allen
rivalry · negative
Mr. Caillaud
rivalry · negative
George Allen
rivalry · negative
Zachariah Coleman
rivalry · negative
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing… How this plays out →
Zachariah Coleman
rivalry · negative
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing… How this plays out →
George Allen
rivalry · negative
Mr. Caillaud
rivalry · negative

Zachariah Coleman
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing forces in the revolutionary struggle.
George Allen
George Allen and Major Maitland are direct opponents in the revolutionary conflict, with deep personal animosity.
Mr. Caillaud
Major Maitland and Mr. Caillaud are political enemies, representing opposing sides in the revolutionary conflict.
George Allen
George Allen and Major Maitland are direct opponents in the revolutionary conflict, with deep personal animosity.
Zachariah Coleman
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing forces in the revolutionary struggle.
Zachariah Coleman
Major Maitland and Zachariah Coleman are ideological enemies, representing opposing forces in the revolutionary struggle.
George Allen
George Allen and Major Maitland are direct opponents in the revolutionary conflict, with deep personal animosity.
Mr. Caillaud
Major Maitland and Mr. Caillaud are political enemies, representing opposing sides in the revolutionary conflict.

Relationship notes

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

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In the story

Major Maitland appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane
Involved in discussions with Pauline, representing a contrasting perspective on religion and reform.
I: The World Outside
A well-dressed man in a bottle-green coat who defends Zachariah in the crowd, then visits his home. He is a member of the 'Friends of the People' and invites Zachariah to join.
Outside Pike Street
Visits Zachariah's home, engages in conversation with Mrs. Zachariah, and later walks with Zachariah to the meeting.
III: The Theatre
Arranges the theatre outing, shows gallantry toward Mrs. Coleman, and leaves a ticket for Zachariah.
IV: A Friend of the People
Seen walking in close converse with the shoemaking friend and a third man; later empties the Secretary's pockets before the arrest.
V: The Horizon Widens
Friend of Jean Caillaud and member of the secret committee of the Friends of the People; mentioned as a potential convert by Mrs. Coleman.
VI: Tea à la Mode
A guest who enjoys provoking Pauline, engages in theological debate with Zachariah, and agrees to attend chapel.
VII: Jephthah
Deeply moved by Bradshaw's sermon, admits it touched a tender place he thought healed; declines to stay for supper.
VIII: Unconventional Justice
Leads the cautious faction in the society; warns of the need for drill and the hostility of the middle and working classes; receives an anonymous warning to cancel the meeting.
Disintegration by Degrees
Reunites with Zachariah in Manchester; charms Mrs. Zachariah and hints at political activities.
XI: Politics and Pauline
Opposes the Blanketeers' March as foolish, but is loyally committed to making it a success; described as externally frivolous but capable when focused.
XII: One Body and One Spirit
Arrives late to the meeting; discovers Mrs. Coleman outside in the rain and escorts her home.
XIII: To the Greeks Foolishness
Accompanies the Blanketeers' March and is killed.

Chapter companion notes

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