Behind a Mask · Character

Mr. Coventry

Gerald Coventry, the proud, languid younger son, vows to ignore the new governess and instead finds himself reading her letters far too closely.

major

Also known as Coventry, the younger Coventry, Gerald

First appearance: I: Jean Muir

As a major figure in Behind a Mask, Mr. Coventry is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Languid and dismissive toward the governess at first, but becomes intrigued by her hidden spirit.

In the storyI: Jean MuirOpen this moment free

See Mr. Coventry in I: Jean Muir Book page

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With Jean Muir (psychological): Jean Muir manipulates Mr. Coventry through calculated charm and feigned vulnerability to secure his affection and social position. With Ned Coventry (family): Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man. With Bella Coventry (family): Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Coventry sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Coventry in I: Jean Muir

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Psychological
Family
Romantic
Social

Character groups

Protagonist
Coventry household and circle

+11 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
Closing

In this excerpt, Jean Muir reaches her emotional and psychological peak of "intense anxiety" as the crisis of…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Jean Muir
psychological · ambivalent
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. How this plays out →
Ned Coventry
family · ambivalent
Bella Coventry
family · positive
Lucia
romantic · ambivalent
Lady Sydney
social · positive
Sir John Coventry
family · positive
Dean
professional · ambivalent
Jean Muir
psychological · ambivalent
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. How this plays out →
Ned Coventry
family · ambivalent
Jean Muir
psychological · ambivalent
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. How this plays out →
Bella Coventry
family · positive
Lady Sydney
social · positive

Jean Muir
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. Coventry through calculated charm and feigned vulnerability to secure his affection and social position.
Ned Coventry
Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man.
Bella Coventry
Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.
Lucia
Lucia is Mr. Coventry's betrothed, but their relationship is strained by his growing attraction to Jean Muir.
Lady Sydney
Lady Sydney is a family friend and neighbor who observes the Coventry household with mild curiosity.
Sir John Coventry
Mr. Coventry is Sir John's nephew and heir, with a respectful but distant relationship.
Dean
Dean is a household servant who obeys Mr. Coventry's orders but also secretly aids Jean Muir.
Jean Muir
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. Coventry through calculated charm and feigned vulnerability to secure his affection and social position.
Ned Coventry
Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man.
Jean Muir
Jean Muir manipulates Mr. Coventry through calculated charm and feigned vulnerability to secure his affection and social position.
Bella Coventry
Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.
Lady Sydney
Lady Sydney is a family friend and neighbor who observes the Coventry household with mild curiosity.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Coventry in I: Jean Muir

In the story

Mr. Coventry appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Jean Muir
Languid and dismissive toward the governess at first, but becomes intrigued by her hidden spirit.
A Good Beginning
Enters late, is dismissive of Jean, but shows a flicker of curiosity about her stories and her effect on others.
III: Passion and Pique
Gerald remains distrustful of Jean and observes her interactions with Edward. He is wounded by Edward in a fit of jealousy, but later thanks Jean for her frankness and agrees to help send Edward away, showing a more honorable and chivalrous side.
IV: A Discovery
Confined to his room, he becomes intrigued by Jean's elusiveness and orchestrates a meeting; questions Bella about Jean's behavior.
V: How the Girl Did It
Gerald is captivated by Jean's performance and agrees to participate in a tableau with her. He becomes emotionally involved, offering her friendship and protection despite Lucia's jealousy.
On the Watch
Decides to reform his idle ways, confesses his love to Jean, and confronts Lucia and Dean over their surveillance.
VII: The Last Chance
Pressures Jean for a declaration of love, recounts his painful breakup with Lucia, and expresses both fascination and distrust, calling Jean a witch.
Suspense
Lingers about the house, rides away to his duties; later returns upon hearing false news of Edward's death.
Lady Coventry
Confesses his love for Jean and is devastated by the revelations; he is the target of Jean's final taunt.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Coventry in I: Jean Muir