Theodore?

Is there a tale in which Theodore figures as more than a shadowy figure up there in the plant rooms? I don't recall one. He's a bit like Mrs. Hudson in the Holmes tales.

The only one I can think of where Theodore actually participates in the plot is Black Orchids, in which Theodore has a key part to play in convincing the murderer that he (the murderer) can, in fact, murder Wolfe, Cramer, and others by pumping ciphogene into the fumigation room on the roof. Without Theodore, Wolfe's act wouldn't have worked. And of course, he then got to take care of the priceless black orchids Wolfe received as payment.

I love Black Orchids. Is Theodore resentful of Archie, or does he realize that Archie is necessary to pull in the money to keep the orchids growing? Does Theodore love his job? Most important of all, when and where does he eat? Does he eat in the kitchen with Fritz? That seems most likely to me, yet I cannot visualize him in the lower regions of the house. Is there a dumb waiter up to the roof? That would be sensible for Wolfe, though to my knowledge Wolfe never eats or drinks on the roof. Sigh. All we can do is speculate I suppose, so in that case, I go for the dumb waiter to the roof.

I think I recall Archie mentioning that Theodore eats with the other 'staff' in the kitchen - it's hardly practical to send food up to the roof, and the orchids might not like it! - but there's never been any evidence, I don't think. Perhaps he eats at different times?

And there's a wonderful fan fiction perspective of Theodore and Archie's relationship, written by 'Nancy': http://www.e-fic.com/milkandorchids/stories/theviewfromabove.html

It's cute, sometimes it does seem like all the employees are vying for Wolfe's approval, but I think that is so in any job where the employer is admired and respected. We want to have our egos petted a bit and hope that we are just a little bit more of a favorite or necessary than any of the others. Come to think of it, that behavior is just like siblings.

In "Plot it yourself" Archie explains Theodore eats with Fritz in the kitchen

Thank you Dannieltanna. It's been so long since I've read most of them I just have hazy memories. ;)

You are welcome. Luckily i have reread it just the day before yesterday :-)

I just noticed that in "The Silent Speaker" there is one line in the book that says "Theodore sleeps out", indicating that he does not live in the household. In every other book that Theodore is mentioned, I think it's always noted that he lives there.

Also, in one of the earlier novels, a cleaner named Charlie is mentioned. Anyone know more about this character?

I have been checking (with computer help :-)and the only Charlies i have found in Nero Wolfe novels are: Charlie Heat that was told to drive Neya in "Over my dead Body", and Charlie Chaplin in "Man Alive", maybe is another name because i also remember someone else is cleaning, nor Fritz