The Wealth of Nations · Character
The Servants
The dependents who look up to the great herdsman for protection, complaint, and judgment, bound to him by subsistence rather than contract.
supporting
Also known as the servants, theirs, themselves, The servants, their
First appearance: III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive Labour
As a supporting figure in The Wealth of Nations, The Servants is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Servants and laborers in the countryside, whose work requires more skill but is less rewarded.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With The Chinese (social): The Chinese interact with the servants in a master-servant social hierarchy. With The Master (professional): The…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of The Servants sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See The Servants in III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive LabourCharacter Web
24 connectionsA slice of how The Servants sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Labor and wage dynamics
- English monarchs and economic policy
- Diverse authorities and generic roles
- Ancient authorities and examples
+19 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- The Chinese
social · ambivalent
The Chinese interact with the servants in a master-servant social hierarchy. How this plays out →
- The Master
professional · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See The Servants in III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive LabourIn the story
The Servants appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- II: Inequalities Occasioned by the Policy of Europe
- III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive Labour
- How the Commerce of the Towns Contributed to the Improvement of the Country
- II: Of Restraints Upon the Importation from Foreign Countries of Such Goods as Can Be Produced at Home
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The Servants unlock in the free preview.
See The Servants in III: Of the Accumulation of Capital, or of Productive and Unproductive Labour