Abanazer Bolger Character Analysis in The Graveyard Book

Abanazer is an antiques dealer that Bod meets in the Old Town shopping district, down the hill from the graveyard. He deals in all sorts of items, both legally and illegally. His normal facial expression—one of having smelled sour milk—makes it easier for him to swindle people out of their valuables, which he usually insists are next to worthless. When Bod enters his shop with the brooch from the barrow grave, however, Abanazer struggles to maintain his disinterested facade. Though the brooch itself seems to inspire feelings of greed in everyone who sees it, Abanazer is particularly greedy and appears willing to harm Bod if it means getting to keep the brooch. Abanazer reveals that he’s one of Jack’s contacts as he mulls over what to do with Bod.

Abanazer Bolger Character Timeline in The Graveyard Book

The timeline below shows where the character Abanazer Bolger appears in The Graveyard Book. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Community, Identity, and Coming of Age Theme Icon

Abanazer Bolger runs an antiques shop in the Old Town. He trades over the counter for... (full context)

Abanazer inspects the brooch again. He thinks it’s priceless, but he tells Bod it’s almost worthless.... (full context)

...rules since she’s buried in unconsecrated ground. Liza goes into the shop area to watch Abanazer. (full context)

Feeling as though someone is watching him, Abanazer looks around suspiciously. He already regrets calling Tom Hustings, and he regrets that he’ll have... (full context)

Then, Abanazer says he has a different kind of treasure: he knows someone looking for a particular... (full context)

When Tom opens the door a moment later, he can’t see Bod. Abanazer pokes his head in and decides Bod is hiding. Now invisible, Bod holds still as... (full context)

...and unlocks the door, Liza is impressed. Out in the store, she and Bod find Abanazer and Tom both knocked out. Bod pockets the brooch and Liza tells Bod to take... (full context)

...his feet seem to know the steps. After Liza, Bod dances with Fortinbras. He sees Abanazer Bolger dancing with Miss Borrows. The dancing couples form long lines and Bod finds himself... (full context)