The Three Hostages · Character

Sandy Arbuthnot

A master of disguise and Eastern tongues, Sandy Arbuthnot is Hannay's oldest friend — and the one man capable of moving unseen through the enemy's world.

major

Also known as old Sandy, Sandy, Old Sandy, Arbuthnot, lunatic Arbuthnot, Mr. Alexander Thomson, Alexander

First appearance: IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man

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

Appears at the end of the chapter, stopping Hannay in St.

In the storyIII: Researches in the SubconsciousOpen this moment free

See Sandy Arbuthnot in III: Researches in the Subconscious Book page

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With Dominick Medina (rivalry): Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good opposing Medina's criminal schemes. With Dick (friendship): Dick and Sandy are close friends and trusted allies, working together to thwart Medina's criminal enterprise. With Mary Hannay (friendship): Mary and Sandy share a warm friendship, with Sandy often visiting and assisting the Hannay family.

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

See Sandy Arbuthnot in IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man

Character Web

36 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Core allies and family
Protagonist

+31 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
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good… How this plays out →
Dick
friendship · positive
Mary Hannay
friendship · positive
Archie Roylance
friendship · positive
Dick
friendship · positive
Dominick Medina
rivalry · negative
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good… How this plays out →
Dominick Medina
rivalry · negative
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good… How this plays out →
Mary Hannay
friendship · positive
Archie Roylance
friendship · positive
Dick
friendship · positive
Mary Hannay
friendship · positive

Dominick Medina
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good opposing Medina's criminal schemes.
Dick
Dick and Sandy are close friends and trusted allies, working together to thwart Medina's criminal enterprise.
Mary Hannay
Mary and Sandy share a warm friendship, with Sandy often visiting and assisting the Hannay family.
Archie Roylance
Archie and Sandy are good friends and allies, often working together in support of Dick's mission.
Dick
Dick and Sandy are close friends and trusted allies, working together to thwart Medina's criminal enterprise.
Dominick Medina
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good opposing Medina's criminal schemes.
Dominick Medina
Sandy is a key adversary in the plot against Medina, representing the forces of good opposing Medina's criminal schemes.
Mary Hannay
Mary and Sandy share a warm friendship, with Sandy often visiting and assisting the Hannay family.
Archie Roylance
Archie and Sandy are good friends and allies, often working together in support of Dick's mission.
Dick
Dick and Sandy are close friends and trusted allies, working together to thwart Medina's criminal enterprise.
Mary Hannay
Mary and Sandy share a warm friendship, with Sandy often visiting and assisting the Hannay family.

Relationship notes

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

See Sandy Arbuthnot in IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man

In the story

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

III: Researches in the Subconscious
Appears at the end of the chapter, stopping Hannay in St. James's Street.
IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man
Hannay's old friend; expresses skepticism about Medina, warns Hannay to go slow, and shares his future plans.
The Thursday Club
Attends the dinner; watches Medina with interest and is greeted warmly by the club members.
The House in Gospel Oak
Meets Hannay at the club after the visit; expresses dislike for Medina and is anxious about Hannay's whereabouts.
VII: Some Experiences of a Disciple
Sandy sends a coded letter from France indicating progress and urging Hannay to stick close to Medina.
The Blind Spinner
Sends Hannay a typed note urging him to stay close to Medina and break with Sandy.
I Am Introduced to Strong Magic
Sandy sends Hannay a note arranging a meeting at 'The Silent Woman' inn on the Fosse Way, indicating he has returned to England and has information to share.
X: Confidences at a Wayside Inn
Sandy provides deep analysis of Medina's psychology, warns that victory over Medina is impossible, and agrees to lie low while Hannay pursues the clue.
XIII: I Visit the Fields of Eden
Hannay longs for his return but has strict instructions not to contact him.
Sir Archibald Roylance Puts His Foot in It
Referenced as having warned Hannay to stay close to Medina; his possible dealings inside Medina's citadel puzzle Hannay.
Our Time Is Narrowed
Mentioned as having been seen again in England; Hannay and Mary are in touch with him but communication is slow.
XIX: The Night of the First of June—Later
Reveals he has been impersonating Kharáma, presents evidence against Medina, and proposes a deal.
XX: Machray
Warns Hannay that Medina's wounded vanity will drive him to seek revenge, urging him to leave for Machray immediately.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Sandy Arbuthnot in IV: I Make the Acquaintance of a Popular Man

See Sandy Arbuthnot in III: Researches in the Subconscious