A Prefect’s Uncle · Character

Farnie

A fourteen-year-old veteran of three public schools, whose cheerful cheek and deep pockets make him a menace to seniors twice his size.

major

Also known as Master Reginald Farnie, V Farnie, young Farnie

First appearance: I: Term Begins

As a major figure in A Prefect’s Uncle, Farnie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the new boy arriving at Leicester's House; later identified as P.

In the storyI: Term BeginsOpen this moment free

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Farnie arrives at Beckford with the composure of a boy who has seen it all, immediately outwitting Monk and Danvers's attempted shakedown and organizing a rag within minutes of reaching his form-room. As Gethryn's uncle, he inverts every expectation of age and authority, treating his nephew with airy patronage and refusing to be intimidated. His money, nerve, and talent for chaos make him the term's most unpredictable variable.

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See Farnie in I: Term Begins

Character Web

7 connections

A slice of how Farnie sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Assorted minor characters
School staff and visitors

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Norris reaches his emotional peak of despair and self-loathing after abandoning his team, then undergoes a psy…

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In the story

Farnie appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Term Begins
Mentioned as the new boy arriving at Leicester's House; later identified as P. V. Wilson.
II: Introduces an Unusual Uncle
Arrives at Horton station as a small boy in a top hat and Etons, revealing himself to be Gethryn's uncle.
III: The Uncle Makes Himself at Home
Arrives at Beckford as a new boy, reveals himself as Gethryn's uncle, and displays a confident, cheeky personality.
IV: Pringle Makes a Sporting Offer
Quickly adapts to Beckford, becomes a leader in the Upper Fourth by orchestrating a successful prank against Mr. Somerville Smith.
V: Farnie Gets Into Trouble
Forms a friendship with Monk and Danvers against Gethryn's advice, cleverly avoids their loan schemes, but later borrows money from Monk at high interest.
VI: —and Stays There
Farnie steals money from Gethryn's cashbox and runs away from Beckford.
VII: The Bishop Goes for a Ride
Has stolen money and left a note; Gethryn sets out to bring him back.
IX: The Bishop Finishes His Ride
Farnie is discovered at Anfield station by Gethryn; he admits to giving some of the stolen money to Monk and is compelled to return to school.
XVII: The Winter Term
Has left Beckford for a school in France. He writes to Gethryn, apologizing for the M.C.C. match and enclosing a cheque for four pounds.
XVIII: The Bishop Scores
Mentioned in Wilson's story about the bicycle ride and the M.C.C. match.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Farnie unlock in the free preview.

See Farnie in I: Term Begins