The Warden · Character

Mr. Bunce

A proud, loyal bedesman of Hiram's Hospital who refuses to sign the petition against the warden and stands by him when others waver.

supporting

Also known as Bunce, The great Bunce, old Bunce, Master Bunce, Poor Bunce, Here Bunce, poor old Bunce

First appearance: Hiram's Bedesmen

As a supporting figure in The Warden, Mr. Bunce is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The loyal bedesman who refuses to sign the petition, defends the warden, and confronts Handy, arguing that the men are being misled.

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Mr. Bunce is one of the twelve old men of Hiram's Hospital, a figure of rough dignity among the bedesmen and the warden's most steadfast ally. When Bold's agitation stirs the hospital and a petition begins to circulate, Bunce will have none of it, and his refusal marks him out among his fellows. His loyalty gives a human face to the institution at the centre of the quarrel, reminding readers that the abstract question of charitable funds is lived out by old men with pride and memory.

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Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Agitators and Influencers
Protagonist
Bedesmen Protesters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, Eleanor reaches an emotional and psychological peak by deciding to sacrifice her own romantic…

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Relationships

Mr. Harding
friendship · positive
Mr. Harding
friendship · positive
Mr. Harding
friendship · positive

Relationship notes

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In the story

Mr. Bunce appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Hiram's Bedesmen
The loyal bedesman who refuses to sign the petition, defends the warden, and confronts Handy, arguing that the men are being misled.
Dr. Grantly Visits the Hospital
Among the bedesmen, expresses gratitude to Mr. Harding, saying 'God bless you, Mr. Harding.'
VII: The Jupiter
Bunce stands apart with a lowering brow, grieving as he perceives that evil days are coming for the hospital.
X: Tribulation
Visits the warden to inquire about news from London and offers affectionate support, though he learns there is no good news.
Farewell
Communicates with Harding about the resignation, speaks to the bedesmen, and accompanies Harding to say goodbye to old Bell.

Chapter companion notes

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