Allston Wheatley is the husband of Alma Wheatley and the adoptive father of chess prodigy Beth Harmon. An unknown time after a miscarriage, the couple adopted Beth Harmon for unknown reasons, however it can be speculated Alma was having mental health issues due to this event. After this adoption, his job requires him to work full-time in Denver, forcing him to turn his back on his family. A few years into this situation, he learns from Harmon that his wife died and decides to give up the family house to her. Later on, he comes back from his Denver job and demands to get the house back, though Harmon ends up buying it thanks to her chess money.
Allston Wheatley is an absent father and husband who is typically quiet and cold, especially to his adoptive daughter. He grows more detached over time from Alma after the adoption, although has always been disinterested in their relationship. Alma reported that he would never listen to her play the piano. A few years later, when meeting with Harmon for the first time in five years, he refuses to consider her his daughter.
Strangely, despite seeming to have little interest in her, it is claimed by Alma that Allston Wheatley was the one who wanted to adopt Elizabeth, however, this is later deflected by Allston, stating that Alma would 'just say things'.
| Characters |
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| Beth Harmon • Alma Wheatley • Benny Watts • Jolene • Harry Beltik • William Shaibel D.L. Townes • Allston Wheatley • Vasily Borgov • Alice Harmon • Helen Deardorff • Annette Packer • Borgov's wife • Cleo • Christopher • Dave Friedman • Mr. Ganz • Janet • Margaret Johnson • Paul |