# Parsell — Gallions Reach character guide

> Parsell in Gallions Reach by H. M. Tomlinson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Parsell, old Parsell, Poor old Parsell

**First appearance:** 0001-gallions-reach

## Snapshot

A bearded ethnologist who ignores the jungle until he can lecture about it, then opens Colet's eyes to humanity's long, precarious ascent.

## Who they are

Parsell is the scientist who had taken no notice of the jungle until he had a pupil to share his wealth of speculation with—and once he begins, he is animated, persuasive, almost poetic. He treats Colet as an equal and unfolds a vision of tribes fumbling out of darkness, building cities, growing haughty with mechanical power, and perhaps taking the steam-engine too soon for our good. His talk plants the novel's central question: whether modern confidence is progress or a faster route back to the forest.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Colet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/mr_colet)

_professional_

Mr. Colet and Parsell interact as officer and crew member, with Parsell often carrying out orders but also showing personal loyalty and occasional friction.

### [Mr. Norrie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/mr_norrie)

_professional_

Mr. Norrie and Parsell have a working relationship, with Norrie as a superior and Parsell as a crewman, marked by routine and occasional conflict.

### [Mr. Norrie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/mr_norrie)

_professional_

Mr. Norrie and Parsell have a working relationship, with Norrie as a superior and Parsell as a crewman, marked by routine and occasional conflict.

### [Mr. Norrie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/mr_norrie)

_professional_

Mr. Norrie and Parsell have a working relationship, with Norrie as a superior and Parsell as a crewman, marked by routine and occasional conflict.

### [Mr. Colet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/mr_colet)

_professional_

Mr. Colet and Parsell interact as officer and crew member, with Parsell often carrying out orders but also showing personal loyalty and occasional friction.

## In the story

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxii)

Arrives at the camp, sick and weary, but determined to continue to Mount Berching.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Determined to continue his expedition despite warnings, showing a fanatical commitment to his work.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Recovered and resolute, preparing for his journey.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxv)

Wants to camp to work on his notes, but is overruled by Colet.

### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Sits silently during the journey but later becomes animated, sharing his theories about primitive tribes and the perils of mechanical progress, revealing his intention to find the 'shadows'.

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxvii)

Shows an unnatural elation and energy despite the hardships. He is absorbed by the discovery of the abandoned huts and speaks of a 'light that had been' for men, hinting at his inner vision.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Disappears from camp during the night, taking his pack and compass, and is the object of Colet's search.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxix)

Mentioned in Colet's thoughts; Colet reflects that Parsell was taken in by what he wanted and is not to be found.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters/parsell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/characters