Who Richard Hannay is
Richard Hannay returns to London after making his money in Rhodesia, but finds little to hold his interest. He has few friends, feels bored by city life, and thinks about going back to Africa. He tells his own story in a plain, modest voice, admitting fear, mistakes and the help of luck.
Richard Hannay and the others in the story
His American neighbour, Franklin P. Scudder, asks to speak privately and describes a plot against a visiting foreign statesman. Hannay is uncertain whether to believe him, yet recognises his terror and offers him shelter. That choice draws Hannay into danger, where judging whom to trust becomes a matter of survival.
How Richard Hannay changes
As the chase carries him into Scotland, Hannay's practical abilities become more important than his earlier boredom. His experience in Africa helps him read the land, find water and travel without being seen. He changes his appearance, takes odd jobs and relies on quick decisions when danger comes close.
At first, he needs to escape the people pursuing him and make sense of Scudder's coded notebook. As he understands more, escape becomes a mission to prevent a plot larger than he first imagines.
Questions
Who is Richard Hannay?
Richard Hannay is the hero and storyteller of The Thirty-Nine Steps, a mining engineer recently returned from southern Africa.
What does Richard Hannay want?
He wants to evade his pursuers and understand the notebook. His growing knowledge gives him a further purpose, stopping the secret plot.
How does Richard Hannay know Scudder?
Scudder is his American neighbour in London. Their connection begins when Scudder asks for a private conversation about the danger he faces.