Dennis Tanner’s Divided Loyalty

This thread follows Dennis Tanner’s abrasive supervision, hidden matchmaking, and complicated resistance to both Humphrey and his family.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Goblin Boss

The Goblin Boss A Frightening Supervisor Dennis Tanner treats Paul Carpenter as a nuisance and assigns him mundane work without explaining the company’s purpose. Concealed Kinship His abrasive manner hides his connection to the goblins living beneath the office. The revelation complicates Paul’s judgment of his employer.

A Family in the Office

A Family in the Office The Mother’s Appearance Rosie appears among the office goblins, revealing that Dennis Tanner’s family is woven into the firm’s working life. A Contractual Threat Dennis admits that the firm’s contract can compel its trainees to remain. His authority proves more than managerial bluster.

An Unwanted Matchmaker

An Unwanted Matchmaker Arranged Circumstances John Wellington later reveals that Dennis Tanner helped hire Paul Carpenter and Sophie Pettingell and arranged circumstances that brought them together. Self-Protection First Dennis claims he acted to keep Paul away from his mother, not out of simple generosity. His matchmaking serves mixed and selfish motives.

Torn Between Loyalties

Torn Between Loyalties A Complicated Confession Dennis Tanner says he did not know John Wells when the original betrayal occurred, but later learned what Humphrey had done. Family and Firm He could not free John without also releasing his own father, Arthur. His choices are shaped by an ugly family history.

A Conditional Welcome

A Conditional Welcome Continued Employment Dennis Tanner welcomes Paul Carpenter and Sophie Pettingell to the profession, despite the danger and coercion they have endured. A Final Warning He demands that Paul stay away from Rosie. Dennis remains both a useful ally and a threatening, self-interested boss.

Paul and Sophie’s first day at the firm

During and after Goblin Night

After the lovers are hired and the swords arrive

At John Wells’s investigation of the partners

After Humphrey Wells’s defeat