# Donald Bean Lean — Waverley character guide

> Donald Bean Lean in Waverley by Walter Scott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Donald, Donald Bean, Bean Lean

**First appearance:** 0020-part-i-xv-a-creagh-and-its-consequences

## Snapshot

A sly Highland outlaw and cattle-thief whose cave, secrets, and shifting allegiances make him the most unsettling host Edward ever meets.

## Who they are

Donald Bean Lean receives Edward in a cavern furnished with heath pallets and stolen cattle, speaks with unnerving accuracy about garrisons and recruits, and hints darkly that he knows more of Waverley's business than Edward himself does. His defection later strips Fergus of thirty hardened men on the eve of battle, showing how little the Jacobite cause can rely on such freebooters. He is the novel's embodiment of the lawless, ambiguous Highlands — charming, dangerous, and never quite on anyone's side but his own.

## Relationships

### [Edward Waverley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters/edward_waverley)

_rivalry_

Donald Bean Lean is a cunning Highland outlaw who initially robs Edward and later manipulates events to implicate him in treason.

### [Edward Waverley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters/edward_waverley)

_rivalry_

Donald Bean Lean is a cunning Highland outlaw who initially robs Edward and later manipulates events to implicate him in treason.

### [Edward Waverley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters/edward_waverley)

_rivalry_

Donald Bean Lean is a cunning Highland outlaw who initially robs Edward and later manipulates events to implicate him in treason.

## In the story

### [XVII: The Hold of a Highland Robber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-xvii-the-hold-of-a-highland-robber)

The Highland robber, small and pale, greets Waverley with French politeness and shows extensive knowledge of military matters and Waverley's connections.

### [Waverley Proceeds on His Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-xviii-waverley-proceeds-on-his-journey)

Absent from the cave; his daughter Alice prepares breakfast for Waverley; his predatory lifestyle is discussed.

### [The Chief and His Mansion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-xix-the-chief-and-his-mansion)

Mentioned as a freebooter whose raids are tolerated or even orchestrated by Fergus for political ends.

### [Waverley Continued at Glennaquoich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii-waverley-continued-at-glennaquoich)

Discussed as a possible thief of Waverley's seal; defended by Fergus, condemned by Flora.

### [A Confidant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-a-confidant)

Waverley's visit to him is recounted to Mr. Morton.

### [VII: An Incident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-an-incident)

Implied as the leader of the ambush; the pedlar is likely one of his men or in league with him.

### [Waverley Is Still in Distress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-waverley-is-still-in-distress)

His daughter Alice appears and secretly gives Waverley a packet of papers.

### [IX: A Nocturnal Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-a-nocturnal-adventure)

Referenced as the commander of the Highland party, though not present; his lieutenant leads the nocturnal adventure.

### [XII: The Mystery Begins to Be Cleared Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-the-mystery-begins-to-be-cleared-up)

Revealed by Fergus to have acted independently, plundering under false pretenses and likely playing the pedlar in Waverley's rescue.

### [An Incident Gives Rise to Unavailing Reflections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi-an-incident-gives-rise-to-unavailing-reflections)

Implied to have used Waverley's lost seal to forge orders and cause mutiny.

### [XXII: Intrigues of Love and Politics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii-intrigues-of-love-and-politics)

Revealed as the instigator who stole Waverley's seal and seduced the troopers into mutiny.

### [What’s to Be Done Next?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii-what-s-to-be-done-next)

Captured and executed after confessing to the intrigue with Houghton, fully acquitting Waverley of any involvement.

### [XXXVI: More Explanation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxvi-more-explanation)

Rescued Waverley after being bribed by Rose; swore secrecy on his dirk.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters/donald_bean_lean
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters