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"Your father took responsibility for his actions. He fought very hard for what he believed in. And I will not stop you from doing the same thing."
—Alfred Pennyworth to Bruce Wayne[src]


Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth is the butler of Bruce Wayne. A former member of the British Special Air Service,[1] Alfred became the legal guardian of Bruce after the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. He also mentored Bruce, after the latter started pursuing taking down the corruption at Wayne Enterprises and searching for the reason behind his parent's murder.

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Alfred was born in London and served in the British Special Air Service. He later went to work for the Wayne family as a butler.
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Alfred mentors Bruce in his pursuit of taking down corruption at Wayne Enterprises and finding the reason behind his parents' murder.
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Alfred is a caring and protective figure, encouraging Bruce to fight for what he believes in.
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Biography[]

Background[]

Alfred was born in London in the district of Whitechapel, he served in the British Special Air Service alongside Reginald Payne. During a mission, a sandstorm separated the group, getting two members, one being Alfred, captured.[1] One day while in London, two months after leaving the army, Alfred woke up in an alley covered in blood with no memory of how the blood wound up on him, Alfred then went to the police station, hoping that they would "chuck him into the big house and throw away the key", and after being told to sit and wait, he was approached by Thomas Wayne, who asked him why he was there, to which Alfred replied "stuff that I was too frightened to even think about", to which Thomas told Alfred to inform the police that last night Alfred had saved Thomas from being attacked as a cover story, which he did.[2] Later Alfred went to work for the Wayne family as a butler.[3]

Bruce Wayne's guardian[]

Bruce, Alfred, and Aubrey James at Thomas and Martha's funeral

Alfred and Bruce attending the Waynes' funeral.

After Thomas and Martha Wayne were killed, Alfred arrived at the crime scene, opening his arms as Bruce ran up to embrace him. Alfred was promised by Detective Gordon that he'd find the man who had done it, and Alfred wished him luck. While leaving, Alfred told Bruce to hold his head up and to not let anyone see him cry. In the days following, Alfred attended Thomas and Martha's funeral along with Bruce and several other individuals. When Detective Gordon arrived to talk to Bruce at Wayne Manor, Alfred yelled for the latter to get down from the roof. He was later present when Gordon revealed that Mario Pepper had been framed and that Gordon was going to find the man that killed Bruce's parents, though he was only going to be able to do so if Bruce stayed silent. Though Alfred began to speak out in protest, he was silenced by Bruce.[3] Alfred later found Bruce in the process of burning his hand, harshly berating the latter for doing so, though quickly apologized and embraced him. He later visited Detective Gordon at the GCPD, inviting him to Wayne Manor to talk to Bruce, as Bruce respected Gordon, and Alfred never had a child before. The next day during Gordon's visit, Alfred told Jim about the many things Bruce had being doing, such as inflicting self-harm. Though Gordon suggested a psychiatrist, Alfred explained that Bruce wouldn't have any and that although he was the boy's legal guardian, Thomas Wayne gave Alfred strict orders if anything was to happen to him and Martha, telling Alfred to let Bruce choose his own course. He later berated Bruce for creeping up on him and Detective Gordon during their discussion.[4] Alfred later pestered Bruce with a cane, provoking a playful sword fight between the two, during which several folders fell onto the floor. Picking them up, Alfred noticed one of them contained pictures of the Waynes murder, questioning Bruce ask to why he would want to look at them as they'd give him nightmares, and were horrible. After Bruce explained to him that he was looking for clues, Alfred reiterated to Bruce that Detective Gordon had already said he'd find the man who killed Thomas and Martha, and Alfred himself believed Gordon would try at the least. Alfred later attempted to get Bruce to eat, though to no avail. While watching the news about the Balloonman's capture with Bruce, Alfred remarked on how the criminals of Gotham were going to sleep well that night, though Bruce mentioned that the Balloonman had killed people, making him a criminal too, which Alfred with.[5] Alfred was later visited by Detective Gordon, who needed information on the Wayne's Arkham plan, though Alfred told him since the Waynes had died, to was the Wayne plan in name only. He later arrived in Thomas Wayne's study after hearing screams, though Bruce reassured him that it was only a bad dream, before requesting to see any other files on the Arkham plan. Asking the boy why, Alfred was told by Bruce that the latter was looking for a connection between the recent Councilman murders, and his parent's murder.[6] Alfred later accompanied Bruce to the Wayne charitable ball, pointing out Molly Mathis who worked closely with Thomas, to Bruce. While there, former biochemist Stan Potolsky revealed to the attendants of the ball that he had created the drug Viper for WellZyn, which was a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises. Alfred later assisted Bruce in looking through files about the Arkham plan, to Bruce's surprise.[7]

When the Spirit of the Goat killer resurfaces in Gotham, preying on the first born of Gotham's wealthiest citizens, Alfred suggests to Bruce that they go out of town for a while, though Bruce refuses as the Spirit of the Goat wouldn't have anyone to take him from anyway.[8] Alfred later pushed Crispus Allen up against the door of his car, discovering Allen, Montoya, and Gordon outside. Inside Wayne Manor, Alfred was present when Gordon explained to Bruce that if anything happened to him Montoya and Allen would takeover the investigation of his parent's murder, and they could be trusted. As Gordon attempted to leave, Alfred commented that Gordon could barely walk, though he was assured by Gordon that he'd be fine.[9] Despite Bruce's protest, Alfred forced Bruce to re-enrol in Anders Preparatory Academy so he could be around children his own age. After school, Bruce recounted to Alfred Tommy Elliot's insults against Martha Wayne, and how he had been beaten by Elliot. Taking him to Elliot's home, Alfred gave Bruce his father's watch to use as a knuckle duster, which Bruce used to beat Tommy with. Alfred was later asked by Bruce to teach him how to fight, which Alfred agreed to that he could.[10] Alfred is later present when Bruce is brought a sketch of his parent's killer, as described by Selina Kyle. Detective Gordon proposes that they allow Kyle to stay at the Manor, as witnesses who actually cared about the victim usually stuck it out til the end. Despite Alfred's protests against having her there, as it would put Bruce in danger, Bruce agreed to let her stay.[11]

Alfred later allows a woman into the Manor, who was pretending to have been in an accident to get in. After being asked what had happened by Bruce, Alfred attempted to fight the woman after noticing her gaze at Bruce and Selina, allowing the two to escape. Detectives Gordon and Bullock came to the Manor afterward to get information about assassins, with Alfred blaming Selina for the entire situation. After interrupting Bullock and Gordon's argument, Alfred offered to go with Bullock in search of the children, while Gordon went to look for Dick Lovecraft solo. At the GCPD, the two questioned Mackey who at first wants to tell them nothing, but after Alfred gives him several hundred dollars, tells them to go see Fish Mooney. At Mooney's Nightclub, Butch Gilzean refuses to go and get Fish on the request of Detective Bullock, and is taken down by Alfred who demands to know where she is. Announcing herself at that moment, Fish initially refuses to help but is persuaded to by Alfred, though he's told to remember her act of kindness. Being tipped off by Mooney that Bruce and Selina were at The Factory, in the Narrows, Alfred and Bullock arrived there, with Alfred eventually discovering Bruce and the two embracing. Later at the manor, Alfred walks into Thomas Wayne's study, after hearing voices, though he is told by Bruce, that he was just thinking out-loud.[12]

Alfred Pennyworth

Alfred addresses Bruce

Following the attack from the assassins, Alfred and Bruce went to Switzerland for a few weeks. After returning, Bruce had Alfred driving him around in search of Selina Kyle. On the street, Alfred is present as Bruce encounters Ivy Pepper, who agrees to pass along a message to Selina, though Alfred has to give her $20. Alfred later walked in Thomas Wayne's study, finding Bruce crying. The boy soon after revealed to him that Selina had told Bruce that she had been lying, and hadn't in fact seen the face of his parent's killers. After giving Bruce a pep talk, Bruce became determined to find other leads.[13] Alfred and Bruce were later visited by Detective Gordon who told him that Selina had revealed to him that she had lied about seeing the face of the killer of Bruce's parents, to which Bruce agreed that she had told him the same thing. Though Gordon persisted that it didn't put them back at square one, Bruce released Gordon from his promise of finding his parent's killer, as he'd pursue the matter on his own. Although Gordon attempted to go after Bruce, Alfred stopped him, telling him that once Bruce had made up his mind there was no stopping him.[14] Even though his father was no longer alive, Bruce decided to continue the yearly tradition the two had of hiking, with Alfred's offering to come with him, though it was rejected. Alfred later arrived at the campsite, sitting there for over an hour, while Bruce, who had sprained his ankle, attempted to climb up the hill. Alfred helped him up, and the two stayed the night, watching the sunrise, as Bruce and his father did.[15] Alfred later told Bruce that his meeting with the board of directors of Wayne Enterprises had been confirmed. He followed by voicing his hesitance of the meeting to Bruce, though the latter explained that he made up his mind. Reluctant about the situation, Alfred accompanied Bruce to the meeting.[16]

Late in the evening, Alfred opened the door to Wayne Manor, discovering his old friend Reginald Payne. Offering Payne a drink, Alfred asked his reasoning of his coming, with Reggie telling him about losing his wife and sinking into alcoholism. Bruce walks in during their discussion, and Alfred explains the situation to him. While staying with them, Alfred witnesses Reggie harshly attempting to spar with Bruce, putting a stop to it, telling Bruce to hit the shower, and reprimanding Reggie. Later that night, Alfred and Reggie were brought a bottle of wine by Bruce and joined the two. After Reggie begins telling stories and eventually begins taunting Alfred for his discipline which prompts Bruce to go to bed for the night, with Alfred telling him goodnight. Alfred is criticized by Reggie afterward, for hiding who he really is from Bruce, which is a cold blooded war dog. An impassive Alfred however, told Reggie that he had found fresh clothes for Reggie's travels the next morning. Later during the night, Alfred catches Reggie stealing, and after asking his friend to put back what he took, and leave, Alfred is stabbed in the abdomen. He is later found by Bruce, who calls for help, and attempts to stop the blood coming out of Alfred.[1]

While Alfred was hospitalized, Bruce remained at his side. Detective Gordon visited the two in the hospital, asking if Alfred recognized his attacker, but Alfred lies and says he didn't see anything to the surprise of Bruce, who follows his lead. Alfred later explains that the only one to deal with Reggie will be him, getting out of bed in an attempt leave. Alfred is then ordered by Bruce back to bed.[17] At Wayne Manor, Alfred wanted to go into town to find Reggie, though Bruce advised against it due to his condition. Though Alfred insisted otherwise, his scar reopened, preventing him from leaving.[18] After regaining his health, Alfred went to see if Bruce needed anything, with the latter revealing to him that he planned on going to the Wayne Enterprises Charity Ball that night. Though Alfred was hesitant to let Bruce go in there alone, after being told that Bruce was going with Selina Kyle, Alfred compromised, telling Bruce that he'd still be waiting in the car outside so that Bruce didn't feel his watchful eye, but he'd still be near.[19]

Alfred gave Bruce a parcel he received, putting it on the table, before going to identify the body of Reggie. Voicing how he found the conditions of the death of his friend strange, Bruce tried to justify it by saying that he may have fallen from the window while he was drunk, but Alfred does not believe it, as Reggie was a legend. The next day, Alfred is asked by Bruce how it went, though Alfred tells him that it wasn't an experienced he'd care to recount. Alfred is soon after confessed to by Bruce that Selina killed Reggie because the latter threatened to Sid Bunderslaw that Bruce was onto him. He was then recounted to by Bruce, how Bruce had Selina Kyle steal Bunderslaw's key, and after sneaking into Bunderslaw's office, he was confronted by Bunderslaw, who had told him that Bruce's father and grandfather had also known about the illegal activities going on in Wayne Enterprises, though stayed silent.[20] Two weeks later, Alfred questioned Bruce to whether he was still looking for evidence of his father's secret life in the study, telling Bruce that he would have known if Thomas Wayne had a secret life. Later that evening, Alfred attempted to talk some sense into Bruce, telling him that his father had nothing to hide, though Bruce remembered Lucius Fox had called his father a stoic, bringing Marcus Aurelius to mind, a Roman Emperor who was also a stoic. Opening a book about him, Bruce discovered a remote in the back of the book, and though Alfred told him not to press it, as it could set off a bomb, Bruce did so anyway, which revealed a secret passageway behind the fireplace.[21]

Helping Bruce[]

Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth walking down the secret passageway

Alfred and Bruce discovering the door to Thomas' lair.

Behind the fireplace, Alfred and Bruce found a door, with a passcode lock. After Bruce tried a couple combinations, Alfred tells Bruce that there is the possibility of at least a million combinations, much to the latter's frustration. A month later, Alfred and Bruce are visited by Jim Gordon, who told Bruce that he couldn't keep his promise to him as he had been fired from the GCPD. Alfred asks if reinstatement is possible but Gordon says the only way to do so is to do dirty work. After Bruce begins to berate Gordon, Alfred reprimands him for doing so. Afterward, Bruce signals for Alfred to see Gordon out. The next day, Alfred is shocked learning to learn of Bruce's plans on blowing the door open with a homemade fertilizer bomb. Alfred warns Bruce of the dangers of creating a bomb, before telling Bruce that he may be too young to learn what's behind the doors. Bruce tells Alfred he is still blowing the door open and requests tea if Alfred refused to help. Alfred advises Bruce that if he plans on making bombs, he would need more fertilizer and jerry cans. The two later complete the bomb and successfully blow the door open, with Alfred listening as Bruce read a letter his father left him.[22]

Alfred and Bruce looked around the cave, interested. Determined to get the lowdown on what his father was working on, Bruce turns on his father's old computer, but while the computer was starting up, Alfred begins to destroy the computer fearing for Bruce's life. Devastated by the loss of his father's research, Alfred is fired by Bruce. While waiting at the train station later, Alfred and Bruce reconcile and Alfred agreed to make Bruce ready to face the dangers he'd be facing, though on the condition that Bruce must do what he say, when he said it, with no exceptions. However, Bruce then gave him the condition that in exchange he must find someone to fix the computer. Soon after, Alfred met with Lucius Fox at a bar telling him that he needed to confide in him but if it turned out he couldn't trust him, he would kill him. Later, Alfred informs Bruce of what occurred at the GCPD, and the two quickly go there to check on Gordon.[23]

Alfred and Bruce attend the Gotham Children's Hospital Gala and run into Leslie. Alfred who has no idea Leslie is in a relationship with Jim tries to flirt with her. He is later present when Jerome Valeska holds the attendees hostage, he is later called up to bait Bruce out of hiding. However before Alfred was to be killed, Bruce arrives giving him Gordon's second gun. Both Alfred and Gordon quickly take out several of Jerome's men and are left in a standoff with Jerome who had a knife at Bruce's neck. Theo Galavan then killed Jerome and saved Bruce. Afterward, Alfred thanks Galavan for saving Bruce. Alfred tries to flirt with Leslie once more only for Bruce to led Alfred away, and he later turns back to discover Jim and Leslie kissing. Alfred then accuses Bruce of knowing and not telling him as they left.[24]

While waiting for Bruce outside of Anders Preparatory Academy, Alfred saw Selina as she arrived. He slapped her when she flipped down for killing Reggie and told her to stay away from Bruce. Afterward, Alfred tells Bruce about his dinner with Theo Galavan and Bruce is happy to attend. Alfred hands Bruce some shoes and gym clothes and tells him to run back to the Manor, seeing as he wanted to train. He later drops Bruce off at the dinner, rejecting Galavan's offer to join them as he didn't think it would be appropriate.[25]

At Wayne Manor in Thomas' cave, Alfred and Bruce had a sparring session, in which Alfred told Bruce that his enemies would fight dirty, putting Bruce into a choke hold. Alfred was then bit by Bruce so the latter could free himself. After Bruce voiced his impatience for Lucius Fox to repair his father's computer, Alfred told Bruce that he'd tell him when he was ready, and though Bruce emphasized that he was, Alfred proved otherwise hitting him in the nose, distracting him with the information that Silver St. Cloud had called to invite him to dinner at her house.[26]

Alfred was told by Bruce to set another place for Selina, who had arrived at the Manor. Alfred's tea was later praised by Silver, and Selina hinted at him slapping her under the guise of complimenting the tea.[27]

Alfred arrived in Thomas' lair, and was asked by Bruce how many years would it take for him to gain the skills to take down the corruption at Wayne Enterprises. After Alfred tells him that there wasn't a set timeline, Bruce tells Alfred about Galavan's proposal, and Alfred stresses that the proposal was extortion. However Bruce told him he couldn't help but considered it, as his parents were killed trying to stop the corruption at Wayne Enterprises, and while their deaths at that point had been in vain, if Galavan could truly fix the corruption at Wayne Enterprises it was his moral duty to allow him to do so. Alfred then reminded Bruce that Wayne Enterprises wasn't his parent's legacy, but that he was. Alfred then comforted Bruce after if he asked if he was wrong to just want it all to be over. Later, Alfred and Bruce visited the Galavan penthouse for Bruce to sign over his shares of Wayne Enterprises, but at the last moment, Bruce refuses to sign the documents. Suddenly, Gordon and the GCPD burst into the penthouse to arrest Galavan for kidnapping Mayor James, and Alfred was told by Gordon to get Bruce away from Galavan. Afterward, Alfred watched Bruce cry out in devastation after discovering that Galavan had thrown the envelope containing the identity of his parent's killer in the fire.[28]

Alfred later dismisses Silver St. Cloud from Wayne Manor after Bruce attempted to get information out of her. Though Alfred is criticized by Bruce for doing so, Alfred is confident in his actions knowing that Bruce could be jeopardized if he attempted to get information out of Silver. After Bruce refuses to listen to him, he decides to become his jailer to prevent the latter from seeing Silver and pursuing Galavan's claims. Alfred later reveals to having sent the taxi Bruce called in secret away, and that he had also taken the key Silver had given him, without Bruce noticing. Despite that, Bruce decides not to give up to get the information Galavan had, with Alfred vowing not to give up either.[29]

Alfred waits outside of Anders Preparatory Academy for Bruce, though the latter was nowhere to be found. He later goes to Galavan Tower in search of him, and Tabitha knocks his gun out of his hand using her whip. She gives him the opportunity to leave, but after Alfred mocks her for doing everything her brother ordered her to do, he warns her that if he found out something happened to Bruce he would "disappear" her. As he left, Tabitha attacked him with her whip. But to her surprise, Alfred turns out to be a worthy opponent, and in the midst of the battle between the two, he is cut on his side, but despite that, manages to knock Tabitha unconscious, then flees to the elevator. However, Tabitha pursues him, jumping on top of the elevator, though Alfred manages to keep her at bay with the gun. Outside, Alfred manages to jump in a garbage truck to escape, but Tabitha throws a knife at him with hits him in the back.[30]

At the garbage dump site, Alfred tries to escape despite his wounds. But Tabitha Galavan arrives in pursuit of him, with a group of armed men. After eventually escaping, Alfred tries to steal a car to return to the city, however, a couple of cops stop, and immediately shoot him in the face with a stun gun. He was then arrested, taken back to the GCPD, and put in a cell. Alfred was later found by Captain Barnes, Lucius Fox, and Bullock who dumped a bucket of water on his face to wake him up. Alfred explained his situation, Barnes again refused to act as he explained that Alfred had been rightfully pursued off of Galavan's property by the rightful owners. Unable to do anything else to convince the captain, Alfred asks Bullock for his help and while Lucius chooses to stay out of it given his lack of skills in the area, Alfred asks for Jim Gordon, though Bullock tells him he was nowhere to be found. Soon after, the trio discover Gordon's location after questioning Edward Nygma. They latter arrive outside Nygma's apartment to tell Gordon that Galavan had Bruce. While preparing to raid Galavan Tower in search of Bruce, Selina Kyle appears in the window offering them a way in, despite the strong opposition of Alfred. The group later finds Bruce in the midst of a ritual, and gun down several monks. Afterward, Alfred and Selina free Bruce.[31]

After Bruce had been abducted by Galavan, Alfred and Bruce spent a month in Switzerland. When they returned, Alfred had Leslie visit Bruce to talk about his abduction. Alfred got one of his GCPD contacts to find him the file on "M. Malone", and he later brought it down to Bruce who was hitting a punching bag in Thomas' lair. There, Alfred was blamed by Bruce for making them lose a month they could have used to search for Malone. However, the butler stops Bruce from hitting the punching bag and presents Bruce with the file. After asking Bruce what he planned to do when he found Malone, Alfred made it clear that he would kill Malone as Bruce was too young to have a death on his conscious. Bruce initially rejected the idea, but eventually Alfred made him accept the deal.[32]

Later, Alfred tells Bruce that to find Malone they were to visit a former associate of his nicknamed Cupcake, who spent ten years in Blackgate Penitentiary because of Matches. Alfred informed Bruce that Cupcake led a criminal gang known as the Mutants. Soon after, the two visited the place where Cupcake organized fights among his gang. Alfred asks Bruce not to say anything, but when talking with Cupcake, Bruce reveals his identity and offered to pay him $ 50,000 in exchange for the whereabouts of Malone. Cupcake accepts the deal but also requires Alfred to fight him out of respect. Annoyed with Bruce for not knowing how to choose his battles, Alfred battles Cupcake, eventually receiving a beating but quickly subdued Cupcake after he slowed, allowing Alfred to use the weaknesses in his favor. Once defeated, Cupcake told Bruce to go see Jeri at the Celestial Gardens to find Malone, but right after, Alfred thanked him and suddenly fainted due to Cupcake's blows from the fight. Later at the hospital, Alfred asks Bruce to do nothing till he recovered but once he goes unconscious, Bruce uses the opportunity to go to the Celestial Gardens. When Bullock and Gordon arrive to see him, Alfred informs them they discovered the Wayne killer was Matches Malone and informed them fearfully that Bruce had gone to kill him. Days later, Alfred arrives in Thomas' lair where he finds a letter for him from Bruce in which he informed him that he went on the streets to live with Selina, as the experience with Malone had made him understand that the only way to fight evil was by not doing so. As such he needed to learn specific skills and concludes the letter by asking Alfred to honor his wishes and not to try to bring him back.[33]

Alfred is called to come an help Jim after the latter ends up at Selina's hideout and falls unconscious. The next morning, Alfred serves Gordon breakfast and explains to him why Bruce had been living with Selina on the streets. He later questions Gordon as to how he planned to clear his name, and Gordon has Selina feed the GCPD false information as to have Edward Nygma reveal himself. Later, Alfred tells Bruce that Lucius finally fixed the computer, but makes Bruce choose between finding out what his father was doing or stay with Selina because whatever Thomas Wayne had been doing, Alfred didn't want to Bruce to put Selina's life in danger.[34]

Alfred arrives down to Thomas' lair to tell Bruce who had been looking through his father's computer, that he had prepared a meal. However, on Thomas' calendar Bruce discovers that he had scheduled a meeting with a woman named Karen Jennings about something called "Pinewood Farms" the same week he was killed. Wasting no time, Alfred and Bruce arrive at Karen's cabin in the woods where inside they are surprised to discover that Karen had a claw instead of a left hand due to an experiment. After telling Alfred and Bruce her backstory, Bruce demanded that she take them to the Pinewood Farms facility. At the Pinewood facility, Alfred, Bruce, and Karen reach the building, but inside are chased by two assassins sent by Hugo Strange to capture Karen. Alfred shoots one, and Karen kills the other with her claw. Unfortunately, when they finally escaped outside they were stopped by the police. Alfred is then arrested, though later released. At a diner, Bruce informs Gordon of what he and Alfred had learned, and Gordon shares his suspicions with him that he suspected that the Philosopher was in charge of Pinewood, so he quickly begins to plan a way to prevent Karen from being sent to Blackgate since she was the only person who could identify him. After Alfred, Bruce, and Gordon hijack the armored truck that was carrying Karen and bribe the driver to remain silent, they start heading for Wayne Manor. Unfortunately, the truck was stopped as the street was covered in ice, an ambush created by Victor Fries. Outside, Alfred and Gordon attempted to subdue Fries with guns, though they failed. Seeing that everyone was in danger because of her, in the end, Karen decides to sacrifice herself and approach Fries, who freezes her and breaks her body into pieces before leaving. Alfred and Gordon held Bruce back as Fries did so, after he tried to go after her. Later at Wayne Manor, Alfred is present when Lucius brings a photo identifying Hugo Strange as "The Philosopher".[35]

Alfred later turned off the news reporting that Theo Galavan was Azrael. Alfred theorized that he must not have been dead, and Bruce told him that Strange was behind it. Alfred then asked what was happening to their city.[36]

Alfred drove Bruce into the city to meet with Selina Kyle. Alfred later receives a call from Gordon warning him that Galavan was after Bruce once again. Right after, Bruce arrives at Wayne Manor, and Alfred informs him that Galavan was coming. Alfred and Bruce then split up to make sure the house was secured. In the study, Alfred is confronted by Azrael, and refuses to take him to Bruce. The two then engage each other in battle, with Bruce arriving and throwing Alfred a sword. However, Alfred is eventually defeated and thrown out of a window, with Bruce fleeing from Azrael. Alfred limps to the front of the manor after Gordon subdued Azrael, and saved Bruce. Meanwhile, Azrael came to his feet, and although Gordon got out his gun to shoot him, his gun had no bullets left. However, Penguin and Butch arrive, and Butch shoots him with a rocket launcher, blowing him to smithereens. The two then leave, with Butch telling Alfred, Bruce, and Gordon good night.[37]

After discovering that Bruce had involved Selina Kyle and had her go into Arkham, Alfred criticized him telling him that he was disappointed in him. However, Gordon and Lucius Fox decides to use this opportunity to infiltrate Arkham Asylum and find the secret laboratory where Hugo Strange was creating monsters. Given that, and despite Alfred's protest as he couldn't back them up due to his leg, Bruce decides to accompany Lucius announcing that he'd ask for a tour as the Wayne Foundation gave the Asylum money every year. Later, Alfred and Bruce part ways and Alfred gives Bruce his blessing to go, telling him that Thomas Wayne fought very hard for what he believed in, and he wouldn't stop Bruce for doing the same thing. Later at the GCPD, Alfred informs Bullock that Bruce, Gordon, and Lucius were still inside Arkham. Bullock then orders several GCPD officers to Arkham to go and get the trio.[38] Alfred was later thrown off by Basil who was disguised as Jim, after he returned to the GCPD to question him as to where Bruce and Lucius were. He later remarked that Basil was weird, and was greeted by Barbara Kean. Alfred later arrives at Arkham to retrieve Bruce, and was informed of the secret council that controlled everything in Gotham, and that they were close to the ultimate truth.

Alfred then accompanied Bruce to Switzerland for six months, with Bruce doing research into The Court and finding proof of their existence.

Return to Gotham[]

Bruce and Alfred returned to Gotham 6 months after being in Switzerland and the next day Alfred was with Bruce when he confronted the board of directors of Wayne Enterprises, with Alfred reprimanding Crowley for his lack of respect. That night, Alfred was securing Wayne Manor when he was attacked and beat unconscious by Talon.[39]

Bruce was returned to the manor by the Talon and Alfred found him unconscious on the sofa. He woke Bruce up and revealed to him that he himself awakened to find Bruce gone, and when he returned to phone the police there he was. Bruce reveals to Alfred about his meeting with the mysterious council, and that he has made a deal to drop all investigation. Alfred deduces that the people have threatened the lives of those close to Bruce. Later on the pair of them make light of the situation and Alfred mentions now that Bruce has more free time he can take up dancing lessons. But the mood is interrupted when they hear a window smash. Arming himself with a gun, Alfred goes to investigate with Bruce. They see the intruder walking through the window, and are stunned to see that he is the exact double of Bruce. The mysterious boy then asks them for help.[40]

Bruce’s downward spiral[]

After Bruce killed Ra's al Ghul, he struggled with coping that he took a life. Alfred tried his best to help Bruce, but Bruce kept pushing Alfred away and partying with his friends from school. Alfred thought maybe taking Bruce to the Swiss Alps would help him, but Bruce refused. Bruce went to leave, but Alfred got in his way, so Bruce started to fight him. After he sucker punched Alfred, Alfred got mad and accidentally punched Bruce in the face. Bruce left enraged after Alfred tried to apologize. Alfred told Bruce he gave up and will let Bruce deal with his pain on his own, promising to be there for him. Bruce told Alfred he had emancipation papers drawn up, no longer making Alfred his guardian. He told Alfred he was going out and he wanted Alfred gone by the time he got back or else he will go to the police and tell them Alfred hit him. Bruce left after officially firing Alfred, so Alfred packed up his stuff and reluctantly left the manor after taking one last look at it.

The Creation of No Man's Land[]

At the Sirens Club, the Sisters of the League were preparing for the inevitable battle while Tabitha informed Barbara that Jeremiah had already escaped from the GCPD building by the time she got there. Thereupon, Alfred Pennyworth entered the nightclub and confirmed Tabitha's statement before asking where Ra's al Ghul is. Barbara then guessed that Ra's helped Jeremiah kidnap Bruce, so Alfred came to the Sirens Club to find Ra's. Alfred asked her a second time to tell him where Ra's is, but Barbara revealed that she doesn't know where he is, but where he is gonna be. She explained that Ra's is planning to leave Gotham tonight, after turning the city to a pile of rubble. Barbara then assumed that Jeremiah Valeska will help Ra's before suggesting a deal to Alfred and Tabitha. She proposed that Galavan gets to kill Jeremiah, Alfred gets to rescue Bruce and Barbara herself gets to kill Ra's. In disbelief, Pennyworth asked her how she plans on doing that, whereon Barbara revealed that she has got a little surprise for him, while she patted a small case containing the reassembled cursed dagger of Ra's al Ghul. Right then, Penguin entered the room, carrying a machine gun and telling them that he has one question for them.

While Pennyworth pulled his gun and the Sisters of the League drew their blades, Oswald continued talking and wondered whom he gets to kill, revealing that he wants to join the battle on the side of the Sirens organization. Mischievously smiling, Cobblepot explained that the only way to keep Butch on Hugo Strange's operating table was that Oswald promised him that he would take Gilzean's place and come to help the Sirens. Barbara then took the case with the cursed knife while noting that now they make quite the little gang. She then asked her allies to follow her by saying "Let's do this", whereon the Penguin, Alfred, Tabitha and the Sisters of the League left the Sirens Nightclub along with her. A powerful resistance alliance against the Valeska/Ra's al Ghul collaboration had formed, ready to defend Gotham City and engage the League of Shadows.

Shortly after, Barbara Kean along with the cursed knife arrived at the building where Ra's al Ghul, Jeremiah Valeska, Bruce Wayne and the League of Shadows were preparing to watch Gotham City's destruction. At first they think Barbara came alone, however, Penguin then started screaming and shooting a machine gun at the League, while the whole alliance of Tabitha Galavan, Alfred Pennyworth and the Sisters of the League appeared behind him and began battling Ra's al Ghul's men. During the battle, Ra's managed to defend himself against Alfred and the knife wielding Barbara and then asked her if she will never learn, but she finished the sentence for him, telling him she gets that the knife has to be held by Bruce Wayne only, before attacking him once again. At the same time, Jeremiah takes Bruce hostage and shoots a member of the Sisters of the League, as Tabitha's whip ties his hands together, allowing Bruce to free himself. Galavan then laced her whip around Jeremiah's throat, trapping him in stranglehold and forcing him to his knees in front of her. She told him that this is for Selina, but before she could harm him somehow, Valeska managed to draw Tabitha's own knife and stabbed her leg. Surprising her with this attack, Valeska then grabbed Galavan, threw her on the ground and tried to crush her throat with one hand. While lying on her, he came closer and closer to her eye with the knife he held in his other hand, smiling sadistically while telling her that it must be very disappointing for her to die like this in case she wanted to avenge Selina.

Right then, Valeska got shot in his shoulder by the Penguin, who participated in the fight near them. Surprised that out of all the people it was Cobblepot who saved her life, Tabitha looked at him in confusion, not knowing yet that he only kept her alive for his completely different intentions that he still plans to implement in the same night. After knocking out Palden, Bruce now tried to fight Ra's, but he as well as Barbara and Alfred got defeated instantly. While Ra's al Ghul was busy with fighting Alfred, Barbara forced Bruce to hold the cursed blade along with her, before ramming it into Ra's stomach. This event even caught Valeska's attention, who was still lying on the ground from his gun wounds and now looked at them in astonishment. While cracks out of fire and ashes arising from the wound started to tear Ra's body apart, he looked at Barbara Kean, saying "Well done, Barbara". Right then, the sound of an explosion shook the whole city, drawing the attention of Barbara, Bruce and Ra's, as well as the horrified Oswald Cobblepot and Jeremiah Valeska, latter one smiling savagely as one of Gotham's main bridges collapsed into the Gotham River in a force of fire.

But this should not be the last one, since multiple other bridges followed the same fate, crashing into the water after their connections to the mainland gave in to fire and explosions. Shocked by this sight, Penguin, Barbara, Tabitha and Alfred witnessed power failures affecting the fallen city. Right then, Ra's drew Bruce Wayne's attention by grabbing him by his shoulders and sinking to his knees at the same time. Ra's looked into his eyes and told him that the choice is now his, that he can either stay Bruce Wayne or accept his destiny and become Gotham's dark knight. While Ra's al Ghul's body turned into ashes and fire and his voice became disfigured, he bend back one last time before a storm of lava hit him, incinerating him and leaving only the cursed dagger behind that fell onto the ground. Horrified, Bruce then turned his head towards the burning city. By this point, Jeremiah Valeska had already taken advantage of the general chaos and confusion. He had managed to escape the building into the night of the abandoned city, remaining on the loose. The battle for Gotham was over and the alliance against Valeska and Ra's had failed to prevent the city's downfall.[41]

Alfred

Personality[]

"There are two types of people on this planet, you see. Them you can trust and them you can't."
—Alfred Pennyworth to Lucius Fox[src]

Alfred is generally polite and respectful, although there are multiple instances where his military background causes him to lash out and lose his temper. He has admitted that he is unsure about how to raise Bruce following the death of the latter's parents.[4] However, he is genuinely concerned for Bruce's well-being and is loyal to his young charge above anything else. He is an unwavering ally and an implacable foe.

Abilities[]

"But I know that Alfred Pennyworth can take care of himself."
Jim Gordon to Bruce Wayne[src]


  • Peak of human physical condition: As a former soldier, Alfred is in top physical condition for a man of his age, able to contend with much younger opponents.
  • Master Martial Artist: Due to his time in the S.A.S, Alfred is highly trained in unarmed combat (SAS training includes a mix of Boxing, Judo, Krav Maga, and Aikido). Alfred was able to hold his own against the highly trained assassin, Larissa Diaz with relative ease. He was capable enough to take on a resurrected Theo Galavan as the cold-blooded and determined assassin, Azrael. He also gave Tabitha Galavan, Butch Gilzean, and Crispus Allen a good fight, and the master assassin, trained leader of the league of assassins, Ra's al Ghul. Despite being defeated and injury by Eduardo Dorrance, aka Bane, he was pulling some good punches before his final moments in the heat of the moment. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
    • Master Stick Fighter: Alfred has been seen using a cane as an improvised weapon against the cold-blooded assassin Larissa Diaz and her associates.​​​​​​​
    • Master Knife-Wielder: Alfred has been seen using a knife in combat on serval occasions. He is a proficient knife thrower as shown when he tries to train Bruce in the art and during his first fight with Talon. He was also able to stab Kathryn Monroe in her right hand with no remorse after he demanded her the whereabouts of Bruce.
    • Master Swordsman: Alfred is accomplished in swordsmanship, as he was able to use a cutlass to defend himself against Azrael in a sword fight.
"Take one more step, mate, I will put a bullet right between your bloody eyes."
—Alfred Pennyworth to Theo Galavan[src]


  • Master Marksman: Due to his military training, Alfred is highly capable of using firearms, such as AR's, SMG's, pistols, sniper rifles, etc. Mostly during his missions with his allies, the GCPD he pulls out his handgun to secure the place for enemies. He was able to draw out Victor Zsasz with the help of Alvarez. He was willing to get a few shots in on the League of Assassins members during the battle between Jeremiah Valeska and Ra's al Ghul. Alfred was even strong and superior enough to take on former GCPD captain, Nathaniel Barnes with relative ease, he shot and killed Sensei from destroying all of Gotham.
  • Master Interrogator: As a former soldier, Alfred is well adept in military protocol. According to Bruce, Alfred has had training in interrogation, allowing him to tell when someone is lying. He has threatened and Interrogated Kathryn Monroe about the whereabouts of Bruce, doing the same previously to Tabitha Galavan and 514A after Selina Kyle revealed that he wasn't the real Bruce Wayne. And questioned The Sirens, before proceeding the ally with them in the battle of No Man's Land, haven spent time interrogating Victor Zsasz after Ivy Pepper went rouge and ordered him to kill James Gordon.

Equipment[]

  • Guns/Firearms: Alfred uses different types of firearms.
    • Walther PPK: Alfred used this handgun when securing for Bruce and his fight with the Executioner.
    • Colt M1911A1: Alfred used an assassin's gun to shoot the others.
    • Browning Hi-Power: Alfred used this handgun to help Bruce and Karen and later used it against Theo Galavan. It appears in season 3 as his sidearm.
    • Colt Lawman MK lll: Alfred used this revolver when Jerome took Bruce hostage.
    • SIG-Suer P226R: Alfred used this handgun after taking out League of Shadows members disused as GCPD officers.
    • Sawed Off Ithaca 37: Alfred used this shotgun during an attack on Penguin's party.
  • V-42 combat knife: Alfred carries this combat knife on his person for intimidation purposes and for close quarters combat.
  • Smoke grenade: Alfred used a smoke grenade to cover his escape with Bruce and Selina from Jeremiah's men.
  • Cane: Alfred used a cane to fight off assassins. He also used a cane later on in life.

Gallery[]

Main Article: Alfred Pennyworth/Gallery

Appearances[]

Appearance List for Alfred Pennyworth

Season 1[]

Season 2[]

Season 3[]

Season 4[]

Season 5[]

Novels[]

Trivia[]

Behind the scenes[]

  • Alfred Pennyworth was created by writers Bob Kane and Bill Finger, and artist Jerry Robinson. He first appeared in Batman #16 (April–May 1943). He was originally called "Alfred Beagle", didn't become involved with Batman and Robin until during their career as crime fighters, and originally was portrayed as a bumbling character. This would later be modified as him being the Waynes' butler prior to the demise of Thomas and Martha Wayne, and becoming Bruce's loyal friend, guardian and butler following the tragedy. Alfred is a vital part of the Batman mythos and appears in most other media adaptations of the character.
    • The show borrows elements borrows elements from the military-hardened Earth-One portrayal of the character.
  • Alfred's backstory was explored in detail in the Gotham prequel novel Gotham: Dawn of Darkness. Since its release however, much of the novel's backstory regarding Alfred's past history with the Waynes has been either contradicted or overwritten by subsequent episodes throughout Season 3 and 4 which give a different idea of how Alfred first became part of the Wayne household and his actual relationship with Thomas Wayne​​​​​​​. 

References[]

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  8. Edlund, Ben (writer) & Scott, T.J. (director) (October 27, 2014). "Spirit of the Goat". Gotham. Season 1. Episode 6. FOX.
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  40. Woodruff, Ken (writer) & Cannon, Danny (director) (September 26, 2016). "Mad City: Burn the Witch...". Gotham. Season 3. Episode 2. FOX.
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  42. "Mad City: The Gentle Art of Making Enemies"
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