# Jeff Margrave — Herland character guide > Jeff Margrave in Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jeff, Mr. Jeff Margrave, Dear old Jeff **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-not-unnatural-enterprise ## Snapshot The gentle, poetic explorer who defends Herland against Terry's contempt and finds in Celis a happiness the others can only envy. ## Who they are Jeff arrives as the warm-hearted counterweight to Terry's bluster, quick to call Herland's peace and mutual affection the finest thing he has ever seen. When Terry sneers that the women are neuters and the place a perpetual Sunday school, Jeff retorts hotly; his marriage to Celis is quietly, uncomplicatedly happy. His easy adaptation makes him the story's proof that a man can meet this civilization without needing to dominate it. ## Relationships ### [Terry O. Nicholson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/terry_o_nicholson) _friendship_ Jeff and Terry are fellow explorers and friends, though their differing views on women and society create underlying tension. ### [Celis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/celis) _romantic_ Celis and Jeff form a gentle, affectionate romantic bond, with Jeff's respectful nature aligning with Herland's ideals. ### [Ellador](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/ellador) _friendship_ Ellador and Jeff share a deep intellectual and emotional friendship, built on mutual respect and curiosity. ### [Alima](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/alima) _friendship_ Alima and Jeff share a cordial friendship, with Jeff's gentle demeanor contrasting sharply with Terry's aggression. ### [Somel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/somel) _friendship_ Jeff and Somel develop a warm, respectful friendship based on their shared intellectual curiosity and gentle natures. ### [Van](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/van) _friendship_ Jeff and Van are close friends and fellow explorers, with Jeff's idealism complementing Van's more pragmatic outlook. ### [Zava](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/zava) _friendship_ Jeff and Zava share a respectful friendship, with Zava appreciating Jeff's courteous and open-minded attitude. ### [Moadine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/moadine) _friendship_ Jeff and Moadine have a cordial, respectful relationship, as Moadine appreciates Jeff's non-threatening demeanor. ### [Terry O. Nicholson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/terry_o_nicholson) _friendship_ Jeff and Terry are fellow explorers and friends, though their differing views on women and society create underlying tension. ### [Terry O. Nicholson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/terry_o_nicholson) _friendship_ Jeff and Terry are fellow explorers and friends, though their differing views on women and society create underlying tension. ### [Van](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/van) _friendship_ Jeff and Van are close friends and fellow explorers, with Jeff's idealism complementing Van's more pragmatic outlook. ### [Somel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/somel) _friendship_ Jeff and Somel develop a warm, respectful friendship based on their shared intellectual curiosity and gentle natures. ## In the story ### [A Not Unnatural Enterprise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/i-a-not-unnatural-enterprise) A doctor and botanist with romantic and chivalrous ideals about women. ### [II: Rash Advances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/ii-rash-advances) Advocates for peaceful compliance, describes the women as 'nice women' with 'good strong sensible faces,' and is carried inside with the others. ### [A Peculiar Imprisonment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/iii-a-peculiar-imprisonment) Philosophical and observant, he gets on well with his tutor and guards, but reluctantly agrees to the escape plan. ### [Our Venture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/iv-our-venture) Jeff is more diplomatic and eager to reassure the women of their good intentions. He engages in thoughtful discussions about biology and parthenogenesis. ### [A Unique History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/v-a-unique-history) Defends the Herland women's story and their concept of motherhood; mischievously corrects Terry's claim about women not working. ### [VI: Comparisons Are Odious](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/vi-comparisons-are-odious) Supports the women's views, uses examples from nature (ants and bees) to argue that women are natural cooperators, and answers questions about poverty and childbearing. ### [VII: Our Growing Modesty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/vii-our-growing-modesty) Defends Herland's achievements, praising their peace, wealth, and intellect; he loves Zava 'like an aunt.' ### [The Girls of Herland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/viii-the-girls-of-herland) Jeff's exalted gallantry and desire to protect women are met with confusion, as the Herland women need neither protection nor service. His ultra-devotion puzzles Celis and puts off their relationship. ### [IX: Our Relations and Theirs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/ix-our-relations-and-theirs) Defends Herland women's virtues; happy with Celis; contrasts with Terry's discontent. ### [X: Their Religions and Our Marriages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/x-their-religions-and-our-marriages) Advocates for a Quaker-style wedding ceremony and expresses devotion to Celis. ### [Our Difficulties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/chapters/xi-our-difficulties) Jeff idealizes Celis and Herland, accepting the 'angel theory' of women; his gentle, reverent nature contrasts sharply with Terry's aggression. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters/jeff_margrave - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/herland_se/characters