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Illustrated portrait of Richard

A character in The Driver’s Seat

Richard

The frightened young man Lise identifies as her ‘type,’ whose resistance ends in the choice to murder her.

What they want

To get away from Lise's plan and the violent role she insists he must perform.

The book

Cover of The Driver’s Seat by Muriel Spark
The Driver’s SeatMuriel Spark, 1970

A woman enters a foreign city, makes sure strangers remember her, and searches for the man she has chosen to end her life.

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At a glance

Age
24
Connection
Mrs. Fiedke's nephew
Past
Two years in prison and six years in treatment
Luggage
Black briefcase and tartan holdall

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Richard is twenty-four and first appears at the airport in a dark suit with a briefcase and tartan holdall. His fear is visible when Lise approaches him. Later, Mrs. Fiedke identifies him as the nephew she has been expecting at the Hotel Tomson.

Before the novel begins, Richard stabbed a woman who survived. He spent two years in prison and six years in treatment. That history helps explain why Lise has selected him, but it does not determine what he must do next.

Richard repeatedly says that he does not want to follow Lise's instructions and tries to withdraw. His resistance is real, but so is his final agency: he chooses to kill Lise. The novel does not allow her planning to become an excuse for him.

How the book draws them

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

  • Twenty-four years oldMrs. Fiedke gives his age while speaking about the nephew she expects to meet.
  • Sturdy and healthy-lookingHis solid build and rosy appearance contrast with the fear that governs his movements around Lise.
  • A round, pink-white faceThe narration emphasizes an almost boyish complexion rather than a threatening appearance.
  • Wide, frightened eyesHis alarm is visible before readers know his history or Lise's reason for seeking him.
  • Dark suit and white shirtHe dresses conventionally for travel and carries businesslike luggage.
  • Always pulling backHe recoils from Lise at the airport and again tries to withdraw when she gives him instructions in the park.
Richard's responsibility for the endingHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

Richard objects to Lise's demand but eventually uses the paper knife to kill her. Her plan and pressure are central to the scene; neither removes his responsibility for the act.

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