# William Penhale — Basil character guide

> William Penhale in Basil by Wilkie Collins.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** William, dear William

**First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i

## Who they are

A relative of Mary Penhale, mentioned in connection with past events.

## Relationships

### [Susan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/susan)

_romantic_

Susan and William are in a courtship, but their relationship is complicated by social class differences and family pressures.

## In the story

### [Letter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-letter-i)

Narrator of the letter, a miner turned fisherman, caring for the sick stranger.

### [Letter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-letter-ii)

Mary's husband, recipient of the letter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/william_penhale
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters