The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar characters

Appears from the start

A young hotel guest who is distressed when local fishermen drag an enormous sea turtle onto the beach. He treats the animal as a thinking being in need of help and demands that the adults release it.

Appears from the start

A visitor at a tropical hotel who witnesses the capture of a giant turtle and the boy's fierce response. He observes the conflict among the guests, fishermen, and the boy's parents without controlling its outcome.

First appears in chapter 2

A passenger picked up by a motorist on an English road. He calls himself a fingersmith and gradually demonstrates that his small, quick hands can remove possessions without their owners noticing.

First appears in chapter 2

A severe traffic officer who stops the narrator for speeding and records the encounter in detail. His official manner makes him an intimidating obstacle to both men in the car.

First appears in chapter 3

A Suffolk ploughman who uncovers pieces of ancient Roman silver while working a field during the Second World War. Unaware of their archaeological importance, he turns the objects over to his employer.

First appears in chapter 3

The landowner for whom Gordon Butcher works. He takes possession of the objects found in the field and does not promptly report a discovery that may legally belong to the Crown.

First appears in chapter 4

A small schoolboy targeted by two older boys during a country outing. Intelligent and sensitive, he is forced to endure a succession of increasingly dangerous acts while trying to survive without adult help.

First appears in chapter 4

One of the two older boys who seize Peter Watson. Armed with a rifle and eager to dominate someone weaker, he drives the violence while Raymond assists him.

First appears in chapter 4

Ernie's companion in the abuse of Peter Watson. He joins in the threats and helps keep Peter under control as the bullying becomes life-threatening.

First appears in chapter 5

A wealthy, selfish English bachelor who lives for leisure and gambling. In a country-house library he finds a doctor's account of a man who apparently learned to see without using his eyes.

Also known as The Man Who Could See Without His Eyes

First appears in chapter 5

An Indian performer who claims that long mental training has enabled him to perceive objects even when his eyes are sealed. He agrees to explain his method to a skeptical doctor.

First appears in chapter 5

A physician in Calcutta who investigates Imhrat Khan's unusual performance. His written account of the tests and the performer's training later comes into Henry Sugar's hands.

First appears in chapter 5

An accountant whom Henry Sugar recruits after his new ability changes the purpose of his gambling. He helps turn money won from casinos into a large, carefully administered charitable project.

First appears in chapter 6

The autobiographical narrator of the final two pieces. He recalls the schools, jobs, wartime flying, and unexpected publishing opportunity that led him from an intended business career into writing.