Richard Talbot, often nicknamed "Dickie" by his brother-in-law Ron, much to Richard's annoyance, is the manager of the Midbourne branch of the National United Bank. He is rather unhappily married to Laura Talbot. The couple have children as revealed in "The Pier". Richard is a respectable citizen in Midbourne; he knows all the members of Midbourne Council and is recognised by nearly everyone in the community. He arrived in Midbourne in 1945 to manage the National United Bank in town. He is often cynical and makes dry witted jokes and observations, mostly towards Ron's attempts to restore Midbourne Pier. During the war, Richard fought in the desert with General Montgomery at the Second Battle of El Alamein.