# Rodney Bendish — Dangerous Ages character guide

> Rodney Bendish in Dangerous Ages by Rose Macaulay.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Rodney Bendish, Mrs. Bendish

**First appearance:** 0003-i-neville-s-birthday

## Who they are

A member of the Bendish family, often mentioned in social contexts.

## Relationships

### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda)

_romantic_

Gerda is romantically involved with Rodney, but their relationship is strained by her indecision and his expectations.

### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda)

_romantic_

Gerda is romantically involved with Rodney, but their relationship is strained by her indecision and his expectations.

### [Gerda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/gerda)

_romantic_

Gerda is romantically involved with Rodney, but their relationship is strained by her indecision and his expectations.

## In the story

### [I: Neville's Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/i-neville-s-birthday)

Neville's husband, a Labour MP, gives a bicycle and Brangwyn drawing, shares political and personal bonds with Neville.

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

Neville's brother; sleeping in the house, envied by Neville for his successful political and writing career, though he too struggles with ambition and dissatisfaction.

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

Neville's husband, a Labour MP, gives her a bicycle and a Brangwyn drawing for her birthday.

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

Present in the garden, smoking his pipe, kindly offers Nan money for a birthday present.

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

Drafted the Minority Report; mentioned as a University man and amateur Labour supporter.

### [III: Family Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/iii-family-life)

Not entirely pleased with Neville's decision to resume studies, wanting her companionship; eventually gives in after Neville argues for her own job.

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

Initially displeased but ultimately supports Neville's decision to return to medicine.

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

Also works in the garden; his work requires initiative and creative thought, suitable to his forty-five years.

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

Mentally agrees with Barry's 'daisy bud' comment, feels paternal affection for Gerda.

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

Rodney plays tennis and is momentarily fooled by Gerda's trick shot.

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

Expresses disapproval of free unions, calling them 'beastly' and unbusinesslike, but fails to persuade Gerda.

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

Neville's husband; she worries about his need for her attractiveness and his potential to stray as she ages.

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

Hosts Neville and Gerda in the town flat, believes London will buck Neville up.

### [XV: The Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/chapters/xv-the-dream)

Neville reflects on Rodney's weaknesses, vanities, and ambitions, though she still loves and depends on him.

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

Neville feels the need of him, prompting her return home.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters/rodney_bendish
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dangerous_ages_se/characters