Dr. Wortle’s School · Character

Mr. Peacocke

The grave, capable American usher at Bowick School, whose mysterious marriage and sudden journey to San Francisco conceal a secret that could destroy his position and his wife's name.

major

Also known as Peacocke, Mister Peacocke

First appearance: The New Usher

As a major figure in Dr. Wortle’s School, Mr. Peacocke is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The new usher, a scholar and preacher, who maintains a deliberate social distance despite his growing friendship with Dr.

In the storyThe New UsherOpen this moment free

See Mr. Peacocke in The New Usher Book page

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Mr. Peacocke serves as Dr. Wortle's second master, a man whose quiet competence and evident sorrow have won the Doctor's trust and even his protection. He has gone to America to learn the truth about his wife's first husband, and returns with a photograph of a tombstone — a discovery that promises relief but also exposure. His loyalty to his wife, and the Doctor's loyalty to him, turn a private grief into a public test of conscience.

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

See Mr. Peacocke in The New Usher

Character Web

18 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Psychological
Friendship
Social

Character groups

Central school and clergy
Protagonist

+13 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
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs as Dr. Wortle’s private defiance—his principled support of the Peacockes—collapses u…

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Relationships

Dr. Wortle
professional · positive
Robert Lefroy
psychological · negative
Mrs. Wortle
friendship · positive
Lady Anne Clifford
social · ambivalent
Lord Carstairs
professional · positive
Mr. Puddicombe
professional · ambivalent
The Bishop
rivalry · negative
Dr. Wortle
professional · positive
Dr. Wortle
professional · positive
Robert Lefroy
psychological · negative
Robert Lefroy
psychological · negative
Mrs. Wortle
friendship · positive

Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle is the headmaster and employer of Mr. Peacocke, but he also becomes a loyal friend and defender when Peacocke's secret past is revealed.
Robert Lefroy
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Mrs. Wortle
Mrs. Wortle shows kindness and sympathy toward Mr. Peacocke, offering him a friendly ear during his troubles.
Lady Anne Clifford
Lady Anne Clifford is aware of Mr. Peacocke's situation and interacts with him in a formal, socially distant manner.
Lord Carstairs
Lord Carstairs is a student under Mr. Peacocke's teaching, and their relationship is that of pupil and master.
Mr. Puddicombe
Mr. Puddicombe, as a clergyman, engages with Mr. Peacocke on the moral and religious aspects of his marriage situation.
The Bishop
The Bishop is a figure of authority who condemns Mr. Peacocke's marital situation, creating an adversarial relationship.
Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle is the headmaster and employer of Mr. Peacocke, but he also becomes a loyal friend and defender when Peacocke's secret past is revealed.
Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle is the headmaster and employer of Mr. Peacocke, but he also becomes a loyal friend and defender when Peacocke's secret past is revealed.
Robert Lefroy
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Robert Lefroy
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Mrs. Wortle
Mrs. Wortle shows kindness and sympathy toward Mr. Peacocke, offering him a friendly ear during his troubles.

Relationship notes

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See Mr. Peacocke in The New Usher

In the story

Mr. Peacocke appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The New Usher
The new usher, a scholar and preacher, who maintains a deliberate social distance despite his growing friendship with Dr. Wortle.
The Mystery
The mystery of his past is revealed to the reader. He was a clergyman in America who married a woman he believed to be a widow, but her first husband reappeared, making their marriage potentially bigamous.
IV: The Doctor Asks His Question
Receives the Doctor's note and anticipates a question about money. He acknowledges there is a story to tell, and decides to confess everything, even though it will mean leaving Bowick.
V: “Then We Must Go”
Decides that the truth must be told to the Doctor, accepting the likely consequence of leaving Bowick.
Lord Carstairs
His friendship with Lord Carstairs deepens, but he is forced to decline the Earl's invitation due to his secret. He prepares to confess everything to Dr. Wortle.
VII: Robert Lefroy
Confronted by Robert Lefroy, refuses to be blackmailed, and remains resolute in his plan to confess to Dr. Wortle.
VIII: The Story Is Told
Tells his story to Dr. Wortle, defending his actions and expressing his resolve.
IX: Mrs. Wortle and Mr. Puddicombe
Resigned to leaving Bowick, believing it is inevitable and proper.
Mr. Peacocke Goes
Agrees to leave the school and travel to America with Robert Lefroy to find evidence about his brother's fate. He is deeply grateful to Dr. Wortle for his support and protection of his wife.
III: “Amo in the Cool of the Evening”
Absent, but his absence affects the school and Dr. Wortle's routine.
The Journey
Determined to verify Ferdinand Lefroy's death, he endures the unpleasant journey with Robert Lefroy, paying expenses and resisting Lefroy's demands.
VII: “Nobody Has Condemned You Here”
Though absent, he is the subject of the letter from New York. He has written at great length detailing his journey and the confirmation of Ferdinand Lefroy's death. He is described by Mrs. Peacocke as the most perfect of human beings.
Lord Bracy's Letter
Writes to his wife from America, reporting that he has learned Lefroy died in San Francisco and believes he can obtain proof.
At Chicago
Travels to San Francisco and Chicago to secure evidence of Ferdinand Lefroy's death and settle with Robert Lefroy.
Conclusion
His story reaches a resolution, with his character and circumstances clarified.
Mr. Peacocke's Return
Returns to Bowick after his journey to America; he is warmly greeted by the school and faces the difficult moment of reintegration.
XII: Mary's Success
Mentioned as having returned to his duties and as the ostensible reason for Carstairs' visit. His story is said to be 'made all right.'

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Peacocke in The New Usher