# Mr. Bowater — Memoirs of a Midget character guide > Mr. Bowater in Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Fanny Bowater, Mr. Fanny Bowater **First appearance:** 0005-i ## Snapshot Fanny's absent father, a handsome man who never did handsome, whose forgotten astronomy book opens the night sky to a solitary child. ## Who they are Mr. Bowater hovers over Mrs. Bowater's little household as a memory she invokes with gloomy pride — a man whose looks promised more than his life delivered. His old volume of star charts, pulled dusty from the shelf, becomes the narrator's first true inheritance, teaching her Orion and Betelgeuse by firelight. That accidental gift of the heavens shapes her inner life and her craving for a wider world beyond the hill. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Bowater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mrs_bowater) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Bowater are a married couple, their interactions suggesting a domestic partnership with possible tension. ### [Susan Monnerie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/susan_monnerie) _social_ Mr. Bowater and Susan Monnerie have a social connection, possibly as employer/employee or family acquaintance. ### [Mother Grundy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mother_grundy) _social_ Mother Grundy and Mr. Bowater have a neighborly or community-based relationship, possibly involving gossip or business. ### [Dr. Phelps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/dr_phelps) _professional_ Dr. Phelps and Mr. Bowater have a professional relationship, likely as doctor and employer or colleague. ### [Mrs. Bowater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mrs_bowater) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Bowater are a married couple, their interactions suggesting a domestic partnership with possible tension. ### [Mother Grundy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mother_grundy) _social_ Mother Grundy and Mr. Bowater have a neighborly or community-based relationship, possibly involving gossip or business. ### [Mother Grundy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mother_grundy) _social_ Mother Grundy and Mr. Bowater have a neighborly or community-based relationship, possibly involving gossip or business. ### [Susan Monnerie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/susan_monnerie) _social_ Mr. Bowater and Susan Monnerie have a social connection, possibly as employer/employee or family acquaintance. ### [Susan Monnerie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/susan_monnerie) _social_ Mr. Bowater and Susan Monnerie have a social connection, possibly as employer/employee or family acquaintance. ### [Dr. Phelps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/dr_phelps) _professional_ Dr. Phelps and Mr. Bowater have a professional relationship, likely as doctor and employer or colleague. ### [Mrs. Bowater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mrs_bowater) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Bowater are a married couple, their interactions suggesting a domestic partnership with possible tension. ### [Dr. Phelps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/dr_phelps) _professional_ Dr. Phelps and Mr. Bowater have a professional relationship, likely as doctor and employer or colleague. ## In the story ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/ii) The narrator's father, who reads lessons 'like a miner prophet' and has a round red face. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/iii) Buys tiny books for the narrator and uses 'Hail Energeia!' to encourage her to eat. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/iv) Grieves his wife, becomes increasingly eccentric and neglectful, and dies in his bed. ### [Beechwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/beechwood) Fanny is a central figure at Beechwood, whose actions and relationships are closely watched by the narrator. ### [The Night Watch and the Return of Fanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/x) Fanny is revealed to be Mrs. Bowater's daughter, a schoolmistress returning home for Christmas; the narrator dreads her arrival and feels she may come 'between us.' ### [The Night Watch and the Return of Fanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/x) Mr. Bowater is described through a photograph as a young father with a 'sleek appearance' and an 'eye for every petticoat'; the narrator develops a romantic interest in him, bowing to his portrait. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xi) Visits the narrator, revealing she knows about the stargazing; her voice and manner both enchant and infuriate the narrator. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xii) Manipulates the tea invitation, confronts Miss M. about her sensitivity, and reveals her own frustration with the social situation, hinting at a deeper desire for genuine connection. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xiii) The narrator's love interest; she arrives late for their tryst, forgets her key, and kisses the narrator's veil before parting. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xiv) Absent during the snow; later discussed as clever, beautiful, and heartless; reveals her view on love ('I shall go blind'). ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xv) Returns from the parish concert, mocks the performers, sits by the fire, and later grows listless before leaving for school. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xvi) Absent; sends a postcard with a brief message; the narrator's longing for her dominates the chapter. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xvii) Absent but central to the narrator's thoughts and letters; the narrator dreams of her. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xviii) Fanny writes two letters to the narrator: one secret about Mr. Crimble's proposal and a decoy for her mother. She asks the narrator to deliver a message to Mr. Crimble. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xix) Mentioned in the narrator's reflections and in the secret collusion with Mr. Crimble. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xx) Her letter and message to Mr. Crimble are central; the narrator reflects on her motives and actions. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxi) Replies to the narrator's letter, dismissive and critical, and refuses to write to Mr. Crimble. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxii) Mentioned in the narrator's thoughts as she reflects on Fanny's face and recalls their shared moments; Fanny's letter remains hidden under a stone. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxiii) Sends a letter announcing she will not come home for the holidays, causing the narrator bitter disappointment. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxv) Mentioned as not coming home; the narrator wishes she could accompany her to Brunswick House and laments her absence. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxvi) Her letter is hidden under a stone in the garden; the narrator seeks to recover it. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxvii) Sends a letter full of temporizing and refusal, avoiding commitment to Mr. Crimble; her deceit contributes to the narrator's hardening. ### [Lyme Regis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/lyme-regis) Fanny is mentioned in the context of her return to Beechwood after the visit to Lyme Regis. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxix) Sends the narrator a book ('Holy Living and Dying') and a secret note requesting £15, unaware of Mr. Crimble's death. ### [The Inquest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxx) The narrator sends her money via Mr. Anon, desperate to help her. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxi) Visits the narrator at night, desperate for money, and recounts her encounter with Mr. Anon at the house. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxiii) Mentioned in comparison to Susan Monnerie; the narrator reflects on Fanny's beauty and the changes since their time at Beechwood. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxv) Writes a letter to the narrator, expressing cynicism, self-awareness, and a desire to leave her current situation for a governess post. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxvi) Referenced by Mr. Anon as having called him something, causing tension in the conversation. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxvii) His leg is failing, and he writes to his wife asking her to come to Buenos Aires before he dies. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxviii) Visits Mrs. Monnerie's home; described as dark, pale, and self-possessed; the narrator advocates for her as a governess. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xxxix) Fanny confides her ignorance about her parentage, her desire for ease and security, and her intention to please Mrs. Monnerie. She also declares the 'Crimble chapter' closed. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xl) The narrator's jealousy of Fanny's social success and her suspected betrayal of the narrator's private matters are central to the chapter. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xli) Fanny confronts the narrator about the letter addressed to her, accusing her of suspicion and spying. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlii) Visits the narrator occasionally but seems bored; complains about the expense of living with the rich; her arm has supplanted Mrs. Monnerie's cane. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xliii) Seated between Percy and Captain Valentine, she recoils in horror when the narrator calls out to her during the collapse. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlv) The narrator admires Fanny's courage, wishing she had a fraction of it. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlvi) Reminded of Fanny by a sorrowful young woman in the audience. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlvi) Referenced in a comparison: the hurricane of applause is said to be something even Mr. Bowater could not have outridden. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlvii) Appears suddenly at the end of the chapter, confronting the narrator during her solitary reflection. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlviii) Confronts the narrator with accusations; announces her intention to marry Percy Maudlen; reveals her ambition to climb socially. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xlix) Fanny is present at tea, subtly undermining the narrator and Mrs. Monnerie. She mentions posting a letter and questions the propriety of the circus performer. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/l) Fanny is mentioned as having sent a note to Mr. Anon under Mrs. Monnerie's name. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/lii) Fanny slips back into the tent to watch the narrator, and the two share a moment of silent recognition before the narrator turns away. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters/mr_bowater - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/characters