Peter Knox is a character featured in Deborah Harkness’s novel A Discovery of Witches. He is a powerful witch and a prominent member of the Congregation, the governing body for creatures. His actions and beliefs significantly influence the narrative and the challenges faced by the protagonist, Diana Bishop. He serves as a key antagonist, embodying traditionalist views and a resistance to the changes unfolding within the witch community.
The characters importance lies in his representation of established power structures and the inherent biases within them. His pursuit of Diana Bishop stems from a desire to control and exploit her unique abilities, thereby maintaining the status quo. This highlights the tensions between tradition and progress, a recurring theme throughout the series. Peter Knox’s role also provides a lens through which to examine themes of prejudice, fear of the unknown, and the consequences of unchecked authority.
