Leave It to Psmith · Character

Beach

Blandings Castle's stately, pigeon-toed butler, a thoughtful critic of country-house humanity who quietly approves of Psmith's tailoring.

supporting

Also known as Comrade Beach

First appearance: Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle

As a supporting figure in Leave It to Psmith, Beach is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The butler who reports that the search for Lord Emsworth's glasses has been unsuccessful.

In the storyDark Plottings at Blandings CastleOpen this moment free

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Beach has presided over Lady Constance's literary and artistic guests long enough to be profoundly shocked by their disordered locks and ill-cut evening clothes. Psmith arrives as a pleasant surprise, and the butler's one cavil — that so well-dressed a gentleman should travel without a valet — is removed when Cootes is produced as one. His pop-eyed, unkindly-free gaze and his willingness to accept a smooth explanation make him the perfect conduit for Psmith's improvisations, and his dignity never once betrays surprise.

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Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Castle staff and relative
Protagonist
Blandings Castle residents

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

In this chapter, Psmith’s acceptance of employment—ostensibly as a gardener—marks the emotional and psychologi…

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In the story

Beach appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle
The butler who reports that the search for Lord Emsworth's glasses has been unsuccessful.
I
The butler reports that the search for the glasses has so far been unsuccessful, and he is redeploying the servants.
IV
Beach the butler is mentioned as the tidy soul who arranges the newspapers on the table.
V
Beach encounters Psmith and Cootes, and is asked to look after Cootes as Psmith's valet. He later retrieves Psmith's revolver.
VI
Discusses his stomach ailment with Psmith, receives advice on Parks' Pepsinine, and is tasked with prodding Cootes.
I
Refreshing himself with port in the housekeeper's room.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Beach in Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle