# The Master of Griff explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Adele Leamington is nervous about filming at Griff Towers, the home of Sir Gregory Penne, whom she detests. Michael Brixan joins the film crew as an extra to stay close to her, causing tension with the leading man Reggie Connolly. Sir Gregory's unwelcome attention toward Adele becomes apparent, and Jack Knebworth grows wary of the situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The tension between extras, principals, and the wealthy landowner Sir Gregory Penne highlights class distinctions on and off the film set.

### Deception and Appearances

Brixan disguises his true purpose by posing as an extra, while Sir Gregory's gentlemanly facade masks his predatory behavior.

### Colonialism and the 'Other'

Sir Gregory Penne's background in Borneo and his collection of Eastern swords evoke colonial exoticism and power.

## Character check-ins

### Adele Leamington

Expresses fear and loathing of Sir Gregory Penne and his house, Griff Towers, and is nervous about her big chance in the film.

### Mike Brixan

Joins the film as an extra to stay near Adele, showing protective interest and curiosity about Sir Gregory.

### Sir Gregory Penne

The master of Griff Towers, a thickset man with a harsh voice, who makes unwanted advances toward Adele.

### Jack Knebworth

The director, who is suspicious of Sir Gregory's behavior and reluctantly allows Brixan to join as an extra.

### Reggie Connolly

The leading man, who is disdainful of extras and complains about Adele and Brixan.

### Lawley Foss

Mentioned as being present on location to amend the story during shooting.

## Key lines

> I hate it, I hate it! she said almost savagely. That big, hard-looking house, with its hideous stuffed tigers and its awful looking swords—

Adele expresses intense loathing for Griff Towers, describing its oppressive atmosphere and Sir Gregory's collection of weapons.

_Reveals Adele's deep fear and dislike of the location and its owner._

> He’s an extraordinary man: he can cut an apple in half on your hand and never so much as scratch you.

Adele describes Sir Gregory's skill with his sharp swords, emphasizing his dangerous and theatrical nature.

_Highlights Sir Gregory's menacing prowess and the threat he poses._

> I want you to take me on as a—what is the word?—extra, said Michael.

Michael asks Jack Knebworth to hire him as an extra to have an excuse to stay near Adele.

_Shows Brixan's strategic decision to insert himself into the film crew._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/vi-the-master-of-griff
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters