Rufus Griswold is a major antagonist in the 2023 gothic horror The Fall of the House of Usher.
He is the corrupt, original CEO of Fortunado Pharmaceuticals which eventually was overtaken by Roderick Usher, his sister and their family.
He is portrayed by Michael Trucco, who also portrayed Alec in Charmed, Ethan Murphy in The Good Doctor, Owen McGregor in Criminal Minds and Eric Lutz in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Personality[]
Rufus is a stereotypical 1980s businessman. He is sleazy, obsessed with money and power. He has no issue with the corrupt and unethical practices his business undertakes, including against the public or its employees. As an opportunist, he is deceitful and manipulative, as well as a womaniser and misogynist.
Biography[]
In the 1970s, Roderick Usher begins working at Fortunado as a low-level employee. Roderick manages to con his way into a one-to-one meeting with Rufus to pitch a painkiller opiate for the business to manufacture. Though initially reluctant about entering the pharmaceutical business, he is eventually convinced by Roderick. The drug is named Ligodone.
Rufus is shown to have taken full credit for Ligodone, which forces Roderick to take money over control in the business. Roderick conspires to take Fortunado and Griswold down, but ultimately is able to protect the company, earning Griswold's favour, a promotion and increased salary.
On New Year's Eve 1980, Rufus shows his gratitude to Roderick for saving the company (and himself), and offers them drinks. Madeline and Roderick drug Rufus, and to officially take control of Fortunado, they bury Rufus alive behind a brick wall, leading to his suffocation and their encounter with Verna, leading to the same wealth and power experienced by Rufus.
Trivia[]
- Rufus' namesake comes from Rufus Wilmot Griswold, a real-life rival of Edgar Allan Poe.
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 Villains
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