# Barry Briscoe — Dangerous Ages character guide > Barry Briscoe in Dangerous Ages by Rose Macaulay. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Barry, poor Barry, simple Barry, II Barry, IV Barry, Dear Barry, Barry's **First appearance:** 0003-i-neville-s-birthday ## Snapshot A future-minded idealist and employer who sees in Gerda the woman of tomorrow while Nan, the woman of today, keeps lightly sliding out of his reach. ## Who they are Barry works for the future, smiling encouragingly at infants in prams as 'the hope for the world,' and finds in Gerda's straight-thinking earnestness the citizen and mother of citizens he believes in. He argues politics with Nan and makes no impression on her cynical indifference; she stabs him with her keen wit and eludes him whenever he gets near. His unrequited suit for Nan and his hopeful investment in Gerda place him at the hinge between the novel's generations, a good man whose private bitterness flickers across the office window. ## Relationships ### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda) _romantic_ Barry is deeply in love with Gerda and pursues her romantically, though she is conflicted about her feelings. ### [Nan Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/nan_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Nan share a close, supportive friendship, with Nan acting as a confidante for his romantic troubles. ### [Rosalind Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/rosalind_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Rosalind are friendly acquaintances, with Rosalind offering him advice about Gerda. ### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda) _romantic_ Barry is deeply in love with Gerda and pursues her romantically, though she is conflicted about her feelings. ### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda) _romantic_ Barry is deeply in love with Gerda and pursues her romantically, though she is conflicted about her feelings. ### [Nan Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/nan_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Nan share a close, supportive friendship, with Nan acting as a confidante for his romantic troubles. ### [Rosalind Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/rosalind_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Rosalind are friendly acquaintances, with Rosalind offering him advice about Gerda. ### [Nan Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/nan_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Nan share a close, supportive friendship, with Nan acting as a confidante for his romantic troubles. ### [Rosalind Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/rosalind_hilary) _friendship_ Barry and Rosalind are friendly acquaintances, with Rosalind offering him advice about Gerda. ## In the story ### [Dangerous Ages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/dangerous-ages) His romantic feelings for Nan fade, complicating his relationships with both Nan and Gerda. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vi) Nan has supper with him in Chelsea. ### [III: Family Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii-family-life) Visits on Sundays from a W.E.A. summer school; described as splendid, ardent, and enthusiastic, a Quaker philanthropist who believes in God and forms committees to fix a wrecked world. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Comes on Sundays from a W.E.A. summer school; enthusiastic Quaker philanthropist, intellectually brilliant, chatters and makes daisy chains. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v) Introduced as a potential suitor for Nan; described as delightful and a writer on education. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the young man whose friendship with Nan is of interest to Grandmama. ### [Roots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv-roots) Mentioned in Nan's thoughts as a potential anchor; she considers letting him propose during a planned bicycle trip in Cornwall. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) The man Nan loves; she plans to meet him in Cornwall and let him propose. ### [V: Seaweed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v-seaweed) Barry listens to Mrs. Hilary's stories about Nan out of politeness and his own interest in Nan, but Mrs. Hilary feels he is not interested in her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Barry is more focused on the tennis game and Nan than on Mrs. Hilary's story, though he politely pretends to listen. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Referred to as Nan's 'young man who performs good works'; Rosalind speculates about their relationship. ### [VI: Jim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vi-jim) Barry is involved with W.E.A. meetings and is bringing Kay and Gerda to Windover. He is still hoping to see Nan, who is in Cornwall. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as someone who watched tennis while she talked, contrasting with the analyst's attention. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Arrives with Kay and Gerda, involved in W.E.A. meetings, still hoping to find Nan back from Cornwall. ### [VII: Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vii-gerda) Gerda's employer and object of her affection; discusses love and desire with Gerda, and receives a letter from Nan about a trip to Cornwall. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Proposes a walk over the downs despite the heavy rain. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Walks with Gerda, tries to suppress thoughts of Nan, agrees to let Gerda work as his typist. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Announces Gerda as his new secretary, brimming with enthusiasm. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Barry is quick, alert, cheerful, businesslike, and efficient in the office, dictating answers while walking about, interrupted by phone and visitors. He is stern and sharp with Gerda at times, but then smiles and is kinder afterward. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v) Observes Gerda's character and contrasts her with Nan; feels frustrated by Nan's elusiveness but is kind to Gerda. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vii) Barry takes Gerda to the theatre, engages in debates about social reform and love, and shows a pragmatic, analytical side. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/viii) Receives a letter from Nan inviting him to Cornwall; agrees to join the bicycling trip with a vaguely puzzled tone. ### [VIII: Nan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/viii-nan) Arrives in Cornwall with Gerda and Kay; shows attention to Gerda, causing Nan's jealousy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Expected to visit Nan in Cornwall with Gerda and Kay; Nan plans to say yes to his proposal. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Referenced in Nan's thoughts about their future children and his transformative influence on her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Arrives with Gerda and Kay, shows affectionate concern for Gerda's health, and is absorbed in watching her, ignoring Nan's subtle advances. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v) Realizes his romantic feelings for Nan have died, leaving him free; now sees her as a stimulating friend; is taken up with Gerda. ### [The Pace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ix-the-pace) Shows concern for Gerda's safety, rescues her after the crash, and holds her in his arms. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Participates in the swim and cycle; offers to help Gerda; speaks of 'our life' as if shared with Gerda. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Physically proficient diver; warns Gerda against trying to keep up with Nan. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Rides with the group, cautious about the dangerous descents, and becomes an observer of Nan and Gerda's rivalry. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Comments on the tour's danger, shows concern for Gerda, and rides protectively beside her. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v) His romantic feelings for Nan have ceased, though he still responds to her reckless courage with admiration. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vi) Helps rescue Gerda and Kay; strains his side and lies exhausted on the rocks. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/vii) Warns Nan and Gerda against the dangerous descent, calling out in alarm as Gerda rides off the cliff. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/viii) Barry holds Gerda, directs the rescue, splints her leg, carries her up to the path, kisses her cheek, and cycles to fetch a doctor. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/x) Arrives with a doctor and stretcher, anxious and apologetic. ### [X: Principles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/x-principles) Visits Gerda on weekends, proposes marriage, and is exasperated by her refusal. He tries to reason with her but ultimately agrees to set the topic aside to preserve their relationship. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Visits from town, proposes marriage, and defends traditional marriage as a civilizing institution, focusing on children and social responsibility. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Discussed as Gerda's partner in the proposed free union; his willingness to leave Gerda if she won't marry is mentioned. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Frustrated by the constant arguments about marriage, he suggests they stop discussing it and focus on the present. ### [XI: That Which Remains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xi-that-which-remains) Now involved with Gerda; Neville speculates he may have rebounded from Nan. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the man Gerda refuses to tie to herself, paralleling Neville's fears about Rodney's freedom. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Neville wishes he would go to Rome and fetch Nan, but he is now in love with Gerda. ### [XIII: The Daughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xiii-the-daughter) Mentioned as being desperately in love with Gerda; Nan still loves him and is heartbroken over losing him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iv) Described as desperately in love with Gerda and firm about marriage; Nan's hidden feelings for him surface briefly. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/v) The man Nan loves but cannot have; his relationship with Gerda causes her intense pain. ### [XIV: Youth to Youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xiv-youth-to-youth) Romantically plans a keen, jolly life with Gerda, celebrating her change of heart. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Referenced as the man Gerda is considering marrying. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/ii) Accepts Gerda's conditions for marriage, showing adoration and a willingness to compromise. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii) Romantically plans a life of adventure and partnership with Gerda. ### [XV: The Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xv-the-dream) Barry marries Gerda in January in a registry office with no wedding party. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i) Marries Gerda in January in a registry office; no wedding party. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/barry_briscoe - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters