Who is Richard Mayhew from Neverwhere and what is their importance?

Richard is a British everyman, being polite, pleasant, and generally non-confrontational. Originally from Scotland, the twenty-something Richard is a recent transplant to London, where he now pursues a career in securities. As the story unfolds, Richard is forced to confront his fears and overcome his preconceived notions of the world. Richard does this through a series of ordeals, each leaving him incrementally stronger and better prepared to face adversity.