Tono-Bungay · Character

Gordon-Nasmyth

A scientific friend of George's whose restless ambition pulls him toward the Quap expedition, trading laboratory caution for the risk and romance of distant enterprise.

supporting

Also known as Nasmyth, gordon nasmyth

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Tono-Bungay, Gordon-Nasmyth is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A business associate involved in the financial and promotional schemes of the Ponderevo empire.

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Gordon-Nasmyth belongs to the circle of scientifically minded men around George, the sort whose talk drifts from patents to prospects and back again. Where George hesitates between invention and commerce, Nasmyth leans toward the gamble, drawn to the Quap venture as a chance to convert cleverness into fortune. His presence sharpens the novel's early tension between patient research and speculative dash, foreshadowing the wider world of schemes that will test George's judgment.

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See Gordon-Nasmyth in I

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Key Influencers
Minor Acquaintances
Protagonist
Extended Social Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the protagonist's romanti…

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In the story

Gordon-Nasmyth appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III: The Great Days of Tono-Bungay
A business associate involved in the financial and promotional schemes of the Ponderevo empire.
The Hardingham Hotel, and How We Became Big People
Lank, sunburnt adventurer with one eye; proposes the quap expedition to Mordet Island, claiming immense radioactive wealth.
IV
The adventurer who brings the quap opportunity to the Ponderevos; described as a blend of romance and illegality.
V
Mentioned as a figure who played a part in the later crisis of their fortunes.
How I Stole the Heaps of Quap from Mordet Island
Mentioned as the original organizer of the expedition, though he fails to join, leaving George to take charge.
I
Leader of the quap expedition; reported to have suffered a compound fracture of the leg in a motor smash.
III
Mentioned as the one who chose the captain and Pollack for the expedition, possibly for artistic contrast or to express anti-British sentiment.
IV
Referenced as the source of the quap location and the expedition's nominal origin.
V
Mentioned as knowing why a case of Easton's Syrup was aboard.

Chapter companion notes

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See Gordon-Nasmyth in I

See Gordon-Nasmyth in Book III: The Great Days of Tono-Bungay