The Wealth of Nations · Character

The Master

The great shepherd whose flocks and lineage command the clan's obedience, making him judge, general, and protector all at once.

supporting

Also known as The master, the master

First appearance: VIII: Of the Wages of Labour

As a supporting figure in The Wealth of Nations, The Master is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Referenced in the example of a spaniel seeking attention from its master at dinner.

In the storyOf the Principle Which Gives Occasion to the Division of LabourOpen this moment free

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With The Chinese (professional): The Chinese and the master have a professional relationship, likely in trade or employment. With Silver (professional): Silver and the master interact in a professional capacity,…

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See The Master in VIII: Of the Wages of Labour

Character Web

27 connections

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Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Labor and wage dynamics
Diverse authorities and generic roles
Ancient authorities and examples

+22 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
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Smi…

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Relationships

The Chinese
professional · ambivalent
The Chinese and the master have a professional relationship, likely in trade or… How this plays out →
Silver
professional · ambivalent
The Servants
professional · ambivalent

Relationship notes

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See The Master in VIII: Of the Wages of Labour

In the story

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

Of the Principle Which Gives Occasion to the Division of Labour
Referenced in the example of a spaniel seeking attention from its master at dinner.
VIII: Of the Wages of Labour
The employer who advances stock and shares in the produce; represents the interests of masters in wage negotiations.
I: Inequalities Arising from the Nature of the Employments Themselves
Implied as the recipient of labor from cotters and other workers.
I: Of the Division of Stock
Referenced as the master tailor, shoemaker, weaver, and manufacturer whose capital includes fixed instruments and circulating wages and materials.
III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive Labour
Employer of manufacturers and menial servants; grows rich by employing productive labour, poor by maintaining unproductive servants.
How the Commerce of the Towns Contributed to the Improvement of the Country
Refers to the great earl of Warwick and other barons who entertained large numbers daily.
Chapter IX: Of the Agricultural Systems, or of Those Systems of Political Œconomy, Which Represent the Produce of Land as Either the Sole or the Principal Source of the Revenue and Wealth of Every Country
Employer of artificers and manufacturers, whose profits are considered unproductive in this system.
Article II: Of the Expense of the Institutions for the Education of Youth
Refers to schoolmasters and teachers in public institutions, whose negligence is noted when salaries are fixed.
Conclusion
Implied as part of the chief magistrate's dignity and the general contribution.
Taxes Upon Profit, or Upon the Revenue Arising from Stock
Implied as the manager of stock who adjusts profit rates or interest in response to taxes.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Master in VIII: Of the Wages of Labour

See The Master in Of the Principle Which Gives Occasion to the Division of Labour