# Irving Watters — Arrowsmith character guide

> Irving Watters in Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Irving Watters, Watters, Irve

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Who they are

A medical school classmate of Martin's, later a small-town doctor.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi)

Irving is a second-year medic and Martin's roommate, described as perfectly and dependably dull, believing in morality, the Episcopal Church, and the university president.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as a dough-face and a contrast to Martin's ambitions.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Irving Watters is cited by Martin as an example of a medical student who prioritizes financial success and office location over scientific knowledge.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Also calls Martin 'Martykins' after Clif popularizes the nickname.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Passes by Martin and Leora at the dance, merely nodding.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i)

Irving Watters, an old medical school acquaintance, imposes his conventional and commercial-minded advice on Martin, embodying the pressures of conformity.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii)

Takes Martin and Leora in hand; heavy humor; seeks to correct Martin's heterodoxy; invites them frequently.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii)

Attacks Pickerbaugh out of fear of reduced earnings, influencing Martin's conflicted loyalty.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Plays poker with Martin and teases him about his romantic entanglements.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii)

Klopchuk's physician; grumbles at Martin for being an alarmist.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Whispers against Martin among fellow doctors, fearing he will extend socialistic free clinics.

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i)

A fellow alumnus and local physician who confronts Martin about the free clinic, leading to a heated exchange.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/irving_watters
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters