# Phil — Armed with Madness character guide

> Phil in Armed with Madness by Mary Butts.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Philip

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Snapshot

Phil is Lydia's husband, a slick little animal whose jealous authority and conversational interruptions work to detach her from old friends.

## Who they are

Phil is the man who took Scylla's friend away, who kisses her while calculating how to use Lydia's practical brain and unpractised love for his own ends. Afraid of his wife's old friends, he cuts conversation and interrupts himself to prevent any continuity, reckoning he can prove that not being a gentleman is worth something. His technique with Lydia is no more than the length of rope on which he will hang himself, and his presence makes the cup impossible to speak of.

## Relationships

### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/lydia)

_romantic_

Lydia and Phil share a tender, romantic relationship marked by affection and mutual care.

### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner)

_friendship_

Phil is a kind, supportive friend to Scylla, though their bond is less central than others'.

### [Dudley Carston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/dudley_carston)

_friendship_

Dudley and Phil are friendly but not deeply involved, interacting as part of the larger group.

### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/lydia)

_romantic_

Lydia and Phil share a tender, romantic relationship marked by affection and mutual care.

### [Dudley Carston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/dudley_carston)

_friendship_

Dudley and Phil are friendly but not deeply involved, interacting as part of the larger group.

### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/lydia)

_romantic_

Lydia and Phil share a tender, romantic relationship marked by affection and mutual care.

### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner)

_friendship_

Phil is a kind, supportive friend to Scylla, though their bond is less central than others'.

### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner)

_friendship_

Phil is a kind, supportive friend to Scylla, though their bond is less central than others'.

## In the story

### [Scylla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/scylla)

Lydia's husband, jealous and manipulative, confronts Scylla about her lifestyle.

### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/lydia)

Has gone out to meet a Jew; not dissatisfied after the quarrel, hoping Scylla's marriage will get them out of his way.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/phil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters