Character guide

Theodore Gumbril

major

Also known as Mr. Gumbril, Gumbril, Mister Gumbril, Theodore, Poor Theodore, Theodore Gumbril, Mr. Theodore Gumbril

A young inventor and protagonist, seeking meaning and love in post-war London.

Myra Viveash

major

Also known as Mrs. Viveash, Viveash, Myra

A beautiful, wealthy, and emotionally detached woman who captivates several men.

Casimir Lypiatt

major

Also known as Lypiatt, Mr. Lypiatt, Poor Lypiatt, Poor old Lypiatt, Dear old Lypiatt, Old Lypiatt

A passionate but struggling painter and poet, deeply in love with Myra Viveash.

Rosie Shearwater

supporting

Also known as Rosie, Rose

The wife of a physiologist, who becomes involved in a complex romantic entanglement.

Coleman

supporting

Also known as Mr. Coleman

A cynical and hedonistic friend of Gumbril, known for his outrageous behavior.

Gumbril Senior

supporting

Also known as II Gumbril Senior, the cabman Gumbril Senior

Theodore's eccentric father, a retired schoolmaster and inventor.

Mercaptan

supporting

Also known as Mr. Mercaptan, precious Mr. Mercaptan, fluted Mr. Mercaptan

A pretentious literary critic and socialite, often the target of satire.

Emily

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Emily X.

A kind and sensible woman who becomes a love interest for Theodore Gumbril.

Boldero

supporting

Also known as Mr. Boldero, X Mr. Boldero, Dear Mr. Boldero

A businessman involved with Gumbril's patent for pneumatic trousers.

Shearwater

supporting

Also known as Mr. Shearwater, Physiological Shearwater

A physiologist obsessed with his research, married to Rosie.

Bojanus

minor

Also known as Mr. Bojanus, Enigmatically Mr. Bojanus

A mysterious and wealthy foreigner who hosts a memorable party.

James Shearwater

minor

Also known as Mrs. James Shearwater, Mrs. James, Jim, James, Poor old Shearwater

The brother of the physiologist Shearwater, a practical and blunt man.

Porteous

minor

Also known as Mr. Porteous, poor Porteous

An elderly classical scholar and friend of Gumbril Senior.

Lancing

minor

A young man who appears at social gatherings and parties.

Albemarle

minor

Also known as Mr. Albemarle

A friend of Gumbril's from Oxford, encountered in London.

Clew

minor

Also known as Mr. Clew, Little Mr. Clew

A small, nervous man who works with Boldero on the trousers venture.

Zoe

minor

Also known as Zoe mou

A young woman at Bojanus's party who briefly interacts with Gumbril.

Bruin Opps

minor

Also known as Opps, Bruin

A large, jovial man who appears at social gatherings.

Jim Baum

minor

Also known as James

An American acquaintance of the group, known for his wealth.

Mallard

minor

Also known as Mr. Mallard

A friend of Gumbril Senior, encountered at a restaurant.

Reverend Pelvey

minor

Also known as The Reverend Pelvey

A clergyman who appears at a social function.

Molly

minor

Also known as giggling Molly, the Marie Laurencin

A young woman at a party, known for her laughter.

Aunt Aggie

minor

Also known as Poor Aunt Aggie

Theodore Gumbril's elderly aunt, living in the country.

Great Sclopis

minor

A historical figure referenced in conversation about art.

Pelvey

minor

Also known as Mr. Pelvey, oboe Pelvey

A musician who plays the oboe at a gathering.

Margaret

minor

Also known as The Husband Margaret

A woman mentioned in passing at a social event.

Toto

minor

Also known as Poor Toto, Mr. Toto

A flamboyant young man who attends parties.

Roger

minor

A young man briefly mentioned in conversation.

Mrs. Speegle

minor

A woman who hosts a social gathering.

Tony Lamb

minor

Also known as Tony, the Lamb

A young man known for his gentle nature.

Nil Viveash

minor

Also known as Nil

Myra Viveash's deceased husband, mentioned in passing.

Mrs. Goldie

minor

A woman briefly mentioned in a letter or conversation.