# The Rat — The Secret City character guide

> The Rat in The Secret City by Hugh Walpole.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Rat

**First appearance:** 0015-xii

## Who they are

A nickname for a sly or untrustworthy character, possibly a spy.

## In the story

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

A primitive and amoral Russian peasant who attaches himself to the narrator, visits during his illness, and shows a strange loyalty.

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

Visits Durward, drunk and cheerful, hinting at upcoming revolutionary trouble and asking for money.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/v)

Encountered on the bridge; he speaks of looting and the coming revolution, dismissing the Germans.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned in connection with plots for plunder during the revolution.

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

Referred to as 'Peroxide' in the office; tremulous and near hysteria.

### [The Rat's Transformation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/x)

Encountered on the bridge, transformed by the revolution, now filled with determination and a sense of duty.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii)

Cares for Durward during his illness, claims to be an Anarchist, and tends to him like a woman.

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

Seen at the meeting, dressed jauntily; gives the narrator a silent farewell, implying he will not return.

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

Appears in the narrator's dream, along with others, as part of the surreal background.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/the_rat
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters