# Willie Leadford — In the Days of the Comet character guide > Willie Leadford in In the Days of the Comet by H. G. Wells. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Willie asthore, Leadford, Willie **First appearance:** 0004-i-dust-in-the-shadows ## Snapshot A feverish young pot-bank clerk and would-be socialist whose thwarted love and cosmic resentment make him the raw nerve of the old world. ## Who they are Willie scrapes by as third man in Rawdon's office, walks home debating religion and Socialism with Parload, and nurses a fierce, class-bitter love for Nettie Stuart. His jealousy of young Verrall curdles into something dangerous, yet he is also the book's confessing narrator, looking back across the Change at his own blindness. Everything the comet will overturn is first felt in his hot head and aching heart. ## Relationships ### [Nettie Stuart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/nettie_stuart) _romantic_ Former lovers turned bitter rivals after Nettie rejects Willie for Edward Verrall, driving Willie's obsessive jealousy. ### [Edward Verrall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/edward_verrall) _rivalry_ Willie sees Edward as his romantic rival and social superior, fueling intense jealousy and class resentment. ### [Melmount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/melmount) _psychological_ Melmount is a transformative figure who influences Willie's worldview after the comet's change, acting as a mentor. ### [Nettie Stuart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/nettie_stuart) _romantic_ Former lovers turned bitter rivals after Nettie rejects Willie for Edward Verrall, driving Willie's obsessive jealousy. ### [Nettie Stuart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/nettie_stuart) _romantic_ Former lovers turned bitter rivals after Nettie rejects Willie for Edward Verrall, driving Willie's obsessive jealousy. ### [Edward Verrall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/edward_verrall) _rivalry_ Willie sees Edward as his romantic rival and social superior, fueling intense jealousy and class resentment. ### [Edward Verrall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/edward_verrall) _rivalry_ Willie sees Edward as his romantic rival and social superior, fueling intense jealousy and class resentment. ### [Melmount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/melmount) _psychological_ Melmount is a transformative figure who influences Willie's worldview after the comet's change, acting as a mentor. ## In the story ### [In the Days of the Comet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/in-the-days-of-the-comet) The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his pre-comet life of anger and discontent. ### [Book the First: The Comet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/book-the-first-the-comet) Central protagonist whose perspective drives the narrative; his personal struggles and observations are key. ### [I: Dust in the Shadows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i-dust-in-the-shadows) The narrator and protagonist, a young clerk in Clayton, consumed by jealousy and bitterness over Nettie Stuart and his employer Rawdon. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator and protagonist, now aged seventy-two, looking back on his youth and the Great Change. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrator and protagonist, deeply wounded by Nettie's dismissal and Rawdon's refusal, seeking to assert himself. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist; bitter about his low wages and unrequited love for Nettie; fantasizes about the comet destroying the world and about revolutionary violence. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) The narrator and protagonist, who dominates the conversation with Parload, expressing revolutionary fervor and personal discontent. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Narrator and protagonist; returns home in a bitter mood, reflects on his harsh treatment of his mother and his resentment toward society. ### [II: Nettie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii-nettie) Narrator; struggles with jealousy, pride, and obsessive love for Nettie; argues with Parload about the comet's significance. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator, unemployed and bitter, quarrels with Parload over science vs. socialism, writes a farewell letter to Nettie, and wanders in misery. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrates his youthful confusion about love, writes a farewell letter to Nettie, and impulsively walks to Checkshill to see her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist, reflects on his awkward attempt to retract his farewell letter to Nettie. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Narrator and protagonist; walks seventeen miles to see Nettie, feels awkward and overshadowed by her maturity, fails to communicate his feelings. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Desperately tries to win back Nettie, arguing that his letters were not meant and that he loves her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Walks home through the park, confronts Edward Verrall, and feels intense class hatred and humiliation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vii) Narrator; experiences a sudden epiphany about Nettie's assignation, then struggles with violent rage and thoughts of revenge. ### [III: The Revolver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii-the-revolver) Narrator, consumed by jealousy and rage, buys a revolver and walks to Checkshill intending to kill Nettie and Verrall. ### [The Comet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator, consumed by jealousy and a desire for revenge against Nettie and her lover. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrator, consumed by jealousy and planning violence; buys a revolver to kill Nettie or restore his pride. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist; practices shooting with his revolver and observes the labor disturbance. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Suffers from fever and despair, obsesses over Nettie, contemplates suicide, and later reads about the impending war. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Walks to Checkshill with a revolver, experiences emotional turmoil, and learns of Nettie's departure. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Visits Old Stuart, reads Nettie's letter, and secretly deciphers the postmark as Shaphambury. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vii) Narrates his encounter with old Mrs. Verrall, insulting her and reflecting on class hatred. ### [IV: War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv-war) Resolves to kill Nettie and Verrall, then himself; wanders in a fever of rage, firing his revolver; awakens calmer but still determined. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) Narrator, in a frenzy of jealousy and rebellion, resolves to murder Nettie and Verrall and then commit suicide. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Awakens with a calm, resolute mindset, planning his journey to Shaphambury and considering how to obtain money. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist; sullen, shabby, and determined to travel to Shaphambury despite financial and moral obstacles. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Narrator and protagonist, recalls his angry debate with Mr. Gabbitas and his youthful embrace of Nietzsche. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Steals money from the curate's drawer and resolves to continue his vengeful plan. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his past, his mother, and the industrial landscape as he leaves home with a murderous purpose. ### [The Pursuit of the Two Lovers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v-the-pursuit-of-the-two-lovers) Narrator and protagonist, consumed by jealousy and rage as he pursues Nettie and Verrall to Shaphambury. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator, traveling to Shaphambury, consumed by jealousy and warlike emotions. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) The protagonist, narrating his search for Nettie and Verrall in Shaphambury. He feels socially awkward and ashamed of his revolver. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist; tormented by jealousy and revenge, yet experiences a moment of peace and desire to escape his passions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Awakens from a stupor, observes Nettie and Verrall, and pursues them in a jealous rage. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Narrator, consumed by jealous rage and class resentment as he approaches the bungalow village. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) The protagonist, consumed by jealousy and intent on murdering Nettie and Verrall, fires his revolver and chases them before collapsing. ### [Book the Second: The Green Vapors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/book-the-second-the-green-vapors) Narrator who undergoes a radical transformation as the green vapors envelop him, abandoning his murderous plan. ### [The Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i-the-change) Narrator awakening after the Change, reflecting on his past and experiencing a new clarity and release from bitterness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator, reflecting on his past identity and the shot he fired, now experiencing a serene and transformed state. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) The narrator, who awakens after the Great Change and experiences a profound sense of peace and renewal, reflecting on his past life and the transformed world. ### [The Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) The narrator experiences the awakening, doubts his own identity, and feels a release from his former passions for Nettie and Verrall. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Narrator who awakens renewed, experiencing laughter and tears before encountering Melmount. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) The narrator, who experiences the morning of the Change with a new clarity and forgets his jealousy of Nettie and Verrall. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Narrates the chapter, walks with Melmount, recounts his former murderous intentions toward Nettie and Verrall, now feels transformed. ### [II: The Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii-the-awakening) The narrator, who awakens renewed and reflects on the global Change. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, who recounts the scene of the newspaper office and later reads the New Paper in the inn garden. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) The narrator, reflecting on the Change and recounting the story of Mr. Wiggins. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) The narrator, who recalls his mother's prayer and the image of her devotion amidst the cosmic event. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Awakens and walks in wonder through the transfigured cornfields of Shaphambury. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vii) Narrator reflecting on past revivalist meetings he attended with Parload, describing his critical and skeptical nature. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/viii) The narrator reflects on a memory and his actions after the Change, including sending a telegram to his mother. ### [The Cabinet Council](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii-the-cabinet-council) Narrator and observer of the Cabinet council, reflecting on the past and the transformed world. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrator and observer of the council, reflecting on the transformation of the statesmen's minds. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, reflecting on the past and the new world after the Great Change. ### [Book the Third: The New World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/book-the-third-the-new-world) Awakens renewed, shedding his former bitterness and jealousy. ### [I: Love After the Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i-love-after-the-change) Narrator reflecting on the Change and his renewed love for Nettie. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) Narrator and protagonist, reflects on the Change and his feelings for Nettie. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrator reflecting on the post-Change meeting; feels a shadow of jealousy upon seeing Nettie and Verrall. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, now looking back fifty years, recalls sitting at the table with Nettie and Verrall, bearing the bruise from Lord Redcar and grappling with his past hatred. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Willie insists on parting from Nettie and Verrall, claiming his love demands all and he has given himself to a new cause, though he struggles with emptiness and jealousy. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/v) Struggles with his love for Nettie and insists she must leave, despite her emotional plea. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/vi) Narrator reflecting on his desolation after Melmount's departure and his conflicted feelings about the Great Change. ### [II: My Mother’s Last Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii-my-mother-s-last-days) Returns to Clayton, reconciles with his mother, and cares for her in her final days. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) Returns to Clayton after the Great Change, observes the transformed world, and reconciles with his mother. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) Narrator reflecting on his mother's final days and his efforts to atone for past harshness. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Narrator reflecting on his post-Change life, his work, and his unresolved feelings for Nettie. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Narrator, reflecting on his mother's past and the death of a baby sister he never knew. ### [Beltane and New Year’s Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii-beltane-and-new-year-s-eve) Narrator; grieves his mother's death, wanders alone on Beltane night, later marries Anna and rekindles love for Nettie. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/i) The narrator, who recounts his mother's death and his participation in the Beltane cleansing. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/ii) The narrator, grieving his mother's death and yearning for Nettie, wanders alone through the Beltane night. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iii) Returns to Lowchester House, exhausted and grieving, and shares an intense moment with Anna. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/iv) Narrator reflecting on his life fifty years after the Great Change, describing his love for both Nettie and Anna. ### [The Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/chapters/the-epilogue) The author of the manuscript; now a gray-haired, pleasant-looking man who embodies the post-Change serenity and moral transformation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters/willie_leadford - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_days_of_the_comet_se/characters