# A Wind in the Triangle explained — The Good Companions

> Chapter companion for The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley.

## What happens

A mischievous wind sweeps through Gatford, disrupting Mr. Ridvers as he reviews poor cinema returns, which he blames on a successful pierrot show. Meanwhile, Susie Dean vents to Mrs. Joe about her frustration with her stagnant career, comparing herself unfavorably to Coral Crawford's sudden stardom. Elsewhere, Jess Oakroyd encounters Elsie Longstaff, who announces her engagement to Bert Dulver, and Jess proudly introduces his new friend, footballer Jock Campbell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Self-Discovery

Susie's yearning for a breakthrough and her frustration with routine reflect the desire for adventure and self-discovery beyond the mundane.

### Social Class and Inequality

The contrast between Coral Crawford's sudden stardom and Susie's stagnant concert-party work highlights class and opportunity disparities in the entertainment industry.

### Luck and Superstition

Mr. Ridvers bitterly attributes his cinema's poor returns to the pierrots' luck, while Susie feels luck has passed her by, underscoring the theme of fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Susie Dean

Frustrated with her career, envies Coral Crawford's success, and expresses desire for more than the same old concert-party routine.

### Joe Brundit

Listens sympathetically to Susie's complaints, knits quietly, and admits she once felt similarly about her own talent.

### Jess Oakroyd

Meets Elsie Longstaff on the street, learns of her engagement, and proudly introduces his new friend Jock Campbell.

### Elsie Longstaff

Announces her engagement to Bert Dulver and her intention to give notice to Miss Trant.

### Herbert Dulver

Appears with Elsie, affably invites Jess to the wedding, and chats about football with Jock Campbell.

### Old Rob Roy

Mentioned as Jock Campbell's alias; Jock is a veteran footballer now playing for Triangle United.

## Key lines

> I just see myself stuck there. With those three numbers of Inigo’s, I could go anywhere, anywhere. They’re too good for concert-party audiences.

Susie feels trapped in her current role and believes Inigo's songs could launch her to greater success beyond the limited concert-party circuit.

_Highlights Susie's ambition and frustration with her career stagnation._

> These flaming little pierrots are knocking hell out of the returns.

Mr. Ridvers angrily blames the successful pierrot show for his cinema's declining profits.

_Illustrates the competition between live performance and cinema in the 1920s._

> I’m giving Miss Trant my notice tonight. I’m getting married—quite soon.

Elsie Longstaff informs Jess that she will leave the theatre company to marry Bert Dulver.

_Marks a personal transition for Elsie and a shift in the company's dynamics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-a-wind-in-the-triangle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters