Arrowsmith · Character

Fatty Pfaff

A jovial, overweight medical student and friend of Martin's.

minor

Also known as Fatty Pfaff, Pfaff

First appearance: I

Fatty Pfaff shows up with force in V. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Butt of fraternity jokes, credulous and fearful, subjected to humiliating pranks.

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In V: Butt of fraternity jokes, credulous and fearful, subjected to humiliating pranks. Later, in VI: Fatty is a roommate of Martin's, pitied by Martin. He defends Ira Hinkley's sincerity, prompting Martin's retort…

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See Fatty Pfaff in I

Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Medical School Circle
Core Characters & Mentors
Protagonist

+9 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

In this passage, Martin reaches his emotional and psychological peak by confronting his deepest fear—not of fa…

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In the story

Fatty Pfaff appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
VI
III
V
VI
I
II
IV
+3 more

V
Butt of fraternity jokes, credulous and fearful, subjected to humiliating pranks.
VI
Fatty is a roommate of Martin's, pitied by Martin. He defends Ira Hinkley's sincerity, prompting Martin's retort about cockroaches.
III
Mentioned as one of the students learning the trade of medicine alongside Martin.
V
The struggling student who failed the midyear anatomical and is cramming for a special quiz; he is given a crib sheet and uses it to pass.
VI
Mentioned as one of the fraternity brothers whose idiocy is less annoying to the Digams than Martin's restlessness.
I
Fatty sits in the front row with a vacant expression, representing the less engaged students.
II
Begg Clif not to describe the experiment so graphically.
IV
Joins in calling Martin 'Martykins' after Clif spreads the nickname.
Chapter III
Introduced to Leora by Martin, dances with her and approves of her, easing Martin's initial anxiety.
IV
Performs a jig at the cafeteria, contributing to the late-night revelry.
VI
Decides to become an obstetrician, showing deep compassion for women in childbirth.

Chapter companion notes

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See Fatty Pfaff in I

See Fatty Pfaff in V