Kipps · Character

Masterman

A self-dramatizing socialist who turns a working-class dinner into a sermon on hope, leaving Kipps quietly dazzled by a world of ideas he never knew existed.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Masterman

First appearance: London

As a supporting figure in Kipps, Masterman is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Delivers a lengthy, bitter monologue on social injustice, the futility of wealth, and the sickness of society.

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See Masterman in London Book page

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Masterman arrives among Sid and Mrs. Sid's circle as the sort of guest who lifts a glass and pronounces on Hope, the Light of the World, while everyone else eats. His magnificent self-pity and rhetorical flourish make him both absurd and genuinely stirring, especially to young Kipps, who has never met anyone who talks about society and destiny as if they mattered. He plants the first seeds of Kipps's vague longing for something beyond shopkeeping, and his talk of hope and life echoes through the early chapters as Kipps stumbles toward his inheritance.

Continue beside the text

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

See Masterman in London

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Kipps's social origins and influences
Minor figures and social backdrop
Protagonist

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Kipps experiences the emotional and psychological peak of his inte…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Arthur Kipps
friendship · positive
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques… How this plays out →
Sid Pornick
friendship · positive
Arthur Kipps
friendship · positive
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques… How this plays out →
Sid Pornick
friendship · positive
Arthur Kipps
friendship · positive
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques… How this plays out →
Sid Pornick
friendship · positive

Arthur Kipps
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques of class society, influencing Arthur's worldview.
Sid Pornick
Masterman and Sid bond over shared socialist ideals and intellectual discussions, forming a mentor-like friendship.
Arthur Kipps
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques of class society, influencing Arthur's worldview.
Sid Pornick
Masterman and Sid bond over shared socialist ideals and intellectual discussions, forming a mentor-like friendship.
Arthur Kipps
Masterman is an older, cynical socialist who befriends Arthur and offers sharp critiques of class society, influencing Arthur's worldview.
Sid Pornick
Masterman and Sid bond over shared socialist ideals and intellectual discussions, forming a mentor-like friendship.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Masterman in London

In the story

Masterman appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Masterman in London