Walter Goddard’s roots run deep in the bustling city of Alchester, where he was born into a family of established merchants. From a young age, he witnessed his parents’ ruthless pursuit of wealth and status, imprinting upon him the notion that success was measured not by morals but by the accumulation of power and influence. This ethos would become the driving force behind Walter’s ambitions, shaping him into an unapologetic and cutthroat businessman.
Driven by an insatiable desire for personal gain, Walter honed his skills in negotiation. He quickly realized that the surest path to greatness was to eliminate any obstacle that stood in his way, whether it be a competitor, a regulatory body, or even his own flesh and blood. This cutthroat mentality made Walter a force to be reckoned with in the business world as he maneuvered through the intricate web of Alchester’s commercial landscape, always seeking the next opportunity to expand his empire.
Walter’s single-minded pursuit of grandeur led him to co-found the Society for the Progression of Science and Technology, a venture he saw as a means to cement his legacy. Alongside his brother-in-law, Reynold Morgan, and a group of like-minded individuals, Walter leveraged his wealth and influence to drive the Society’s agenda, often clashing with Reynold’s more cautious approach. Where Reynold sought to build a solid foundation, Walter craved bold, aggressive moves that would propel the Society to new heights, regardless of the risks involved.
“Reynold and my brother have been at odds over the direction of the Society for years, with one issue in particular in a stalemate for the better part of two years now. Since the current primary council is only four years into their ten-year tenure, and because Walter and Reynold each held sway over an equal number of others on the council, the possibility of a decision being made on this matter was next to nothing. Unless something swayed the vote. That something was my husband’s death. Walter has a way with words, and if words aren’t enough . . . . With Reynold out of the way, he’ll have little trouble convincing the others to see things his way. My brother knew this. Or, he thought he did.”
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
This fundamental philosophical difference frequently put Walter and Reynold at odds, with Walter often steamrolling over his brother-in-law’s concerns. Walter’s egotistical nature compelled him to view the Society as his personal domain, and he had little patience for those who dared to challenge his vision. He saw profit and personal gain as the ultimate measure of success, often prioritizing financial expansion over the responsible application of scientific research.
Walter’s ambition knew no bounds, so he was not above exploiting loopholes, bending regulations, or sabotaging his competitors to ensure the Society’s dominance. His thirst for power and legacy became all-consuming, and he relished the thought of leaving behind a grand empire that would cement his name in the annals of Alchester’s history.
Despite his relentless pursuit of wealth and status, Walter’s personal life remained a complex tapestry of strained relationships. His uncompromising nature and disregard for the feelings of others often alienated those closest to him, including his sister, Gwendolyn, whose own ambitions frequently clashed with Walter’s. Yet, even in the face of familial discord, Walter remained steadfast in his conviction, convinced that his path to greatness was the only one worth pursuing.
As the Society continued to grow under his influence, Walter’s legacy became increasingly intertwined with its success. He envisioned a future where the Society would stand as a testament to his ruthless brilliance, a monument to his unwavering determination to reshape the very fabric of Alchester’s society. With an ego that knows no bounds, Walter Goddard remains a formidable and uncompromising force, driven by an insatiable desire to leave an indelible mark on the world.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Walter first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
