The Three Hostages · Character

Macgillivray

Scotland Yard's patient spymaster, coordinating a vast simultaneous roundup while Hannay keeps his own secrets close.

supporting

Also known as Now Macgillivray, Mr. Macgillivray, Supposing Macgillivray, Meantime Macgillivray, But Macgillivray

First appearance: II: I Hear of the Three Hostages

As a supporting figure in The Three Hostages, Macgillivray is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Meets with Hannay to brief him on the kidnapping plot and the threat posed by Medina.

In the storyThe Three HostagesOpen this moment free

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Macgillivray is the senior Yard man Hannay trusts with the mechanics of a coordinated strike, even as Hannay withholds the Medina thread from him. Their partnership runs on professional respect and mutual exasperation: Macgillivray grunts at being kept in the dark, yet accepts Hannay's terms because he knows the stakes. He matters because his timetable — the tenth of June, all arrests simultaneous — becomes the clock ticking under every move Hannay makes.

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

See Macgillivray in II: I Hear of the Three Hostages

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Core allies and family
Protagonist

+21 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak where Hannay, wounded and pursued,…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Dominick Medina
rivalry · negative
Macgillivray is a police or intelligence official actively investigating and opposing… How this plays out →
David Warcliff
professional · positive
David Warcliff
professional · positive
Dominick Medina
rivalry · negative
Macgillivray is a police or intelligence official actively investigating and opposing… How this plays out →

Dominick Medina
Macgillivray is a police or intelligence official actively investigating and opposing Medina's criminal activities.
David Warcliff
David Warcliff and Macgillivray are colleagues in intelligence or law enforcement, cooperating on the case against Medina.
David Warcliff
David Warcliff and Macgillivray are colleagues in intelligence or law enforcement, cooperating on the case against Medina.
Dominick Medina
Macgillivray is a police or intelligence official actively investigating and opposing Medina's criminal activities.

Relationship notes

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

See Macgillivray in II: I Hear of the Three Hostages

In the story

Macgillivray appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Three Hostages
Meets with Hannay to brief him on the kidnapping plot and the threat posed by Medina.
II: I Hear of the Three Hostages
Macgillivray visits Hannay to plead for his assistance, revealing the full scope of the criminal combine and the three hostage cases. He is earnest, grave, and convinced of the danger.
IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man
Intelligence chief; briefs Hannay on the criminal conspiracy and suggests he investigate the Shropshire squire.
VII: Some Experiences of a Disciple
Macgillivray agrees to investigate Odell and Medina, warning Hannay of the seriousness and time constraints of the mission.
The Blind Spinner
Reports that surveillance on Odell and Palmyra Square has yielded little.
I Am Introduced to Strong Magic
Macgillivray sends a note to Hannay informing him that Dr. Newhover has booked a passage on the Gudrun, which helps Hannay decide on his next move.
X: Confidences at a Wayside Inn
Referenced as having knowledge of Medina's financial dealings and setting a deadline for action on June 10th.
XIII: I Visit the Fields of Eden
His watchers have nothing to report on the Blind Spinner.
Our Time Is Narrowed
Hannay urgently needs to inform him of the changed date; Mary is in touch with him.
XVII: The District-Visitor in Palmyra Square
Mentioned as having watchers who might have observed the district-visitor's activities in Palmyra Square.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Macgillivray in II: I Hear of the Three Hostages

See Macgillivray in The Three Hostages