Richard Warren
Fictional character
Richard is thirty-five, the last surviving Warren heir in Fordham, owner of The Priory and executor of Cuthbert’s estate. He has inherited substantial property but little liquid money. His parents died in a car crash, his career as an assistant solicitor ended after irregularities in a client-funds account, and creditors are threatening foreclosure (“Puttenham Junction”).
Richard is attracted to men and has no established desire to continue the Warren line. His sexuality is presented as known to Agatha and Smallwood, but not publicly acknowledged in the village.
Richard speaks in a self-conscious upper-class idiom, using euphemism, understatement and social performance. He is often vain, passive and easily led. His private observations reveal sharper awareness than his actions sometimes suggest, especially about class, sexuality and local power.