As more and more characters come into a TV series, there isn’t much time to give detailed backstories. It’s only been in the last couple of episodes that we’ve learned more about Denny and Rachel Hunter in Outlander, and you’ll be forgiven if not all of it makes sense if you haven’t read the books.
Denny and Rachel are siblings, and they are extremely close. The show hasn’t explained what happened to their parents, but they both died when the two were young and they were raised by the Quakers.
Denny Hunter trained to be a doctor under Dr. John Hunter
As Denny shared during Outlander season 7, episode 15, he trained to be a surgeon under a cousin, named Dr. John Hunter. This name would have meant a lot at the time, especially in London. However, the name doesn’t seem to carry the same prestige within the Colonies.
Denny had been raised by the Quakers until he was old enough to learn a trade, and he chose to practice medicine. As the Revolutionary War started, Denny believed that liberty was a gift from God. However, most other Quakers at the time believed that remaining with Britain was the best course of action.
Quakers are pacifist. We see that in Rachel, as she hates the idea of the rebellion and war. However, she remains there to support her brother.
Rachel chose her brother over everyone else in Outlander
Denny shares his guilt for Rachel leaving the Meeting. You see, he was kicked out because he didn’t believe the same way that other Friends did. Rachel could have stayed, though. She decided to choose her brother over everyone else. After all, Denny was her family, and the two stuck together.
In the series, we’ve watched as Rachel works as a nurse for her brother. She keeps house, and she helps to treat the wounded after Denny has done his thing. She is there at the end of Outlander season 7, episode 15 to help save Claire’s life.
Now Rachel will choose Young Ian. It just happens that Young Ian and Denny are fighting for the same cause in their own ways, and this keeps Rachel around both her brother and her husband.
Outlander is available to stream on STARZ.
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