# Augustus Darley — The Trail of the Serpent character guide > Augustus Darley in The Trail of the Serpent by M. E. Braddon. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mr. Augustus Darley, Mr. Augustus, Augustus, Gus, Darley, Gus Darley, Mr. Darley **First appearance:** 0001-i-the-good-schoolmaster ## Snapshot Richard Marwood's loyal friend and ally, a steady presence in the investigation who stands by the accused when the rest of Slopperton has already condemned him. ## Who they are Augustus Darley belongs to Richard's circle of friends, the sort of man who offers practical help and unglamorous constancy while others philosophize or drift. In a town howling for Richard's blood and a case built on circumstantial detail, Darley's willingness to keep asking questions and keep faith with the prisoner matters. His friendship gives the early investigation its human anchor, a reminder that the accused is a man with people who love him, not a name in a newspaper. ## Relationships ### [Richard Marwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/richard_marwood) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and Richard Marwood share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect, often working together. ### [The Smasher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/the_smasher) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and The Smasher are friendly allies, frequently interacting in a jovial manner. ### [Richard Marwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/richard_marwood) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and Richard Marwood share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect, often working together. ### [The Smasher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/the_smasher) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and The Smasher are friendly allies, frequently interacting in a jovial manner. ### [Richard Marwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/richard_marwood) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and Richard Marwood share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect, often working together. ### [The Smasher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/the_smasher) _friendship_ Augustus Darley and The Smasher are friendly allies, frequently interacting in a jovial manner. ## In the story ### [Mr. Augustus Darley and Mr. Joseph Peters Go Out Fishing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/ii-mr-augustus-darley-and-mr-joseph-peters-go-out-fishing) A popular surgeon with a dispensary on the Surrey side; he was a witness in Richard Marwood's trial eight years ago; now preparing a punt with a false bottom for a mysterious purpose. ### [III: The Emperor Bids Adieu to Elba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/iii-the-emperor-bids-adieu-to-elba) Fishing in a punt near the asylum; questioned about the escape. ### [Joy and Happiness for Everybody](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/iv-joy-and-happiness-for-everybody) Accompanies Richard to London, supportive and reassuring, helps him manage his emotions. ### [V: The Cherokees Take an Oath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/v-the-cherokees-take-an-oath) Accompanies Richard to the tavern and helps arrange the meeting with the Cherokees. ### [Mr. Peters Relates How He Thought He Had a Clue, and How He Lost It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/vi-mr-peters-relates-how-he-thought-he-had-a-clue-and-how-he-lost-it) Present during Peters' narrative, helped devise the 'sham mad' plan. ### [One Step Further on the Right Track](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/viii-one-step-further-on-the-right-track) Gus is present at the tea party, observes the growing romance between Richard and Isabella, and welcomes Dr. Tappenden's arrival. ### [IV: What They Find in the Room in Which the Murder Was Committed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/iv-what-they-find-in-the-room-in-which-the-murder-was-committed) Accompanies Peters to Slopperton, assists in gaining access to the murder room, and observes the investigation. ### [Mr. Peters Decides on a Strange Step, and Arrests the Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/v-mr-peters-decides-on-a-strange-step-and-arrests-the-dead) Assists Mr. Peters and keeps an eye on the cheerful gentleman during the voyage. ### [Farewell to England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/vii-farewell-to-england) Present at the hotel and dinner; the crowd turns to him as vice-hero after Richard. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters/augustus_darley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/characters