Waverley · Character

Bailie Macwheeble

The Baron of Bradwardine's fussy, gleeful lawyer, whose terror of risk and delight in a good fortune make him the novel's finest comic engine.

supporting

Also known as Macwheeble, the Bailie, Bailie, Mr. Duncan Macwheeble

First appearance: The Banquet

As a supporting figure in Waverley, Bailie Macwheeble is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Cited as a character Scott preferred over any in Waverley.

In the storyEditor's Introduction to WaverleyOpen this moment free

See Bailie Macwheeble in Editor's Introduction to Waverley Book page

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Macwheeble bolts doors, rubs his hands, and dances a Highland fling when he hears Edward means to marry Rose and bring ten thousand a year into the family. Yet his cowardice is practical rather than contemptible: he hides Waverley under the alias 'Mr. Stanley,' forges safe-conducts, and dispatches ponies with the same anxious efficiency he brings to drafting a marriage contract. He is the small, scheming, indispensable machinery by which the romance actually moves.

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See Bailie Macwheeble in The Banquet

Character Web

34 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central Jacobite and Waverley Circle
Minor and Historical Figures

+29 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

In this passage, Waverley reaches an emotional and psychological peak as he violently oscillates between self-…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Edward Waverley
professional · positive
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal… How this plays out →
Baron of Bradwardine
professional · ambivalent
Baron of Bradwardine
professional · ambivalent
Edward Waverley
professional · positive
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal… How this plays out →
Edward Waverley
professional · positive
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal… How this plays out →
Baron of Bradwardine
professional · ambivalent

Edward Waverley
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal and financial affairs.
Baron of Bradwardine
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's fawning and long-suffering legal agent, constantly trying to manage his master's eccentric finances.
Baron of Bradwardine
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's fawning and long-suffering legal agent, constantly trying to manage his master's eccentric finances.
Edward Waverley
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal and financial affairs.
Edward Waverley
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's comically obsequious lawyer who handles Edward's legal and financial affairs.
Baron of Bradwardine
Bailie Macwheeble is the Baron's fawning and long-suffering legal agent, constantly trying to manage his master's eccentric finances.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Bailie Macwheeble in The Banquet

In the story

Bailie Macwheeble appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Editor's Introduction to Waverley
Cited as a character Scott preferred over any in Waverley.
VI: The Adieus of Waverley
The Baron's factor is mentioned as having suffered a cholic from handling the repayment to Sir Everard, and is suspected of being less than disinterested.
IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs
Referenced as inferior to the butler in the household hierarchy.
Rose Bradwardine and Her Father
Listed as one of the dinner guests, described as the Baron's baron-bailie and doer.
The Banquet
Sits awkwardly at the table, later escapes the stirrup-cup by riding away on his pony.
XIV: A Discovery—Waverley Becomes Domesticated at Tully-Veolan
Plans to unite Rose with the Laird of Balmawhapple; laments the Baron's refusal to set aside the male entail.
XV: A Creagh, and Its Consequences
Arrives hastily, reports the lack of arms, and counsels against direct confrontation, suggesting indirect negotiation.
An Unexpected Ally Appears
Helps adjust subordinate articles of the treaty with Evan Dhu after the formal reconciliation.
A Letter from Tully-Veolan
Mentioned as having been rudely treated by soldiers at Tully-Veolan and as being reluctant to meddle in others' affairs.
A Soldier's Dinner
Uneasy about the Baron's finances; laments the possible loss of the Bradwardine estate to Inch-Grabbit.
XIX: An Unexpected Embarrassment
Referenced by the Baron as having prepared a legal protest regarding the feudal service of removing the Prince's boots.
XX: The English Prisoner
Forced by the Baron onto the battlefield, terrified of armed Highlanders and gunfire.
Rather Unimportant
Attends the Baron during the homage ceremony; named a commissary.
The Confusion of King Agramant’s Camp
Appears as a commissary with a white cockade; is overturned by troopers and retreats amid laughter.
XXXV: Comparing of Notes
Helps the Baron secretly by providing meal and small luxuries through Janet.
Chapter XXXVII
Found in his office at Little Veolan, eating porridge and brandy; he is cautious but overjoyed at Edward's news of marrying Rose Bradwardine, and assists Edward with his plans.
XXXVIII
Advises caution, arranges the Baron's safe return, and prepares a feast at Little Veolan.
XLII
Proudly explains the legal documents securing the estate for Rose and her heirs.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bailie Macwheeble unlock in the free preview.

See Bailie Macwheeble in The Banquet

See Bailie Macwheeble in Editor's Introduction to Waverley