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Illustrated portrait of Dave

A character in The Charioteer

Dave

An older Quaker whose advice protects Andrew's moral agency and helps Laurie make his final decision.

The book

Cover of The Charioteer by Mary Renault
The CharioteerMary Renault, 1953

A wounded soldier must choose between different kinds of love in a world where neither can be public.

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Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Dave is an older Quaker and an informal leader among the conscientious-objector orderlies. He has a long family connection to Andrew.

He represents mature principled pacifism and argues that protection should preserve another person's agency rather than dictate the outcome.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • AgeA lined face marks him as older than the central men.
  • DressPlain clothing reflects Quaker simplicity.
  • AuthorityHis understated manner carries moral weight.
  • ServiceHospital work makes his pacifism practical.
Dave's crucial adviceHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

He persuades Laurie not to force a resolution with Andrew, helping determine Laurie's return to Ralph.

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