Dedication
The book is dedicated to Alan Durand, an alias of Mike Jackson.
Mike
The protagonist, a new student at Wrykyn, passionate about cricket and navigating school life.
I: Mike
The central figure of the chapter; a talented young cricketer about to attend Wrykyn.
The Journey Down
Traveling alone to Wrykyn for the first time; accidentally throws Firby-Smith's bag out the window.
III: Mike Finds a Friendly Native
New student arriving at Wrykyn, feeling small and lost; meets Wyatt who becomes his guide.
At the Nets
New boy at Wrykyn, brother of Bob Jackson, shows promising batting skills in the nets.
Revelry by Night
Feeling heady from early cricket success, resentful of being patronized by Bob and Firby-Smith, and rebellious enough to explore the house and play the gramophone at night.
In Which a Tight Corner Is Evaded
Sneaks out of his dormitory to warn Wyatt, improvises a burglar story to Mr. Wain, and successfully evades punishment.
VII: In Which Mike Is Discussed
Discussed as a potential troublemaker due to his friendship with Wyatt and his own inventive ragging.
A Row with the Town
Narrates the events in a letter to his father; not directly involved in the row but reports on it.
Mike Gets His Chance
Mike is the young cricketer hoping for a chance on the first eleven; he is punished with a caning for his role in the picnic row and learns he cannot play in the M.C.C. match.
The M.C.C. Match
Plays for the school as a substitute, scores a half-century, and earns recognition from his brother Joe and the M.C.C. team.
A Slight Imbroglio
Makes 23 not out in a first eleven match, earns third eleven colours, and later insults Firby-Smith during a house match.
Mike Creates a Vacancy
Fakes a wrist injury to allow Bob to play in the Geddington match, repaying Bob's help.
An Expert Examination
Fakes a wrist injury to let Bob play; confesses to Uncle John.
Another Vacancy
Inquires about colours after the Geddington match; benefits from the chickenpox outbreak to rejoin the first eleven.
Bob Has News to Impart
Keeps his end up with the bat during the match; feels awkward about the rivalry with Bob; learns from Bob that he will likely get First Eleven colours.
Mike Goes to Sleep Again
Skips house-fielding, feels justified due to his cricket prowess, but later reflects on Wyatt's advice about discipline.
The Team Is Filled Up
Devastated when he sees the team list, as Bob's name appears instead of his own.
XXI: Marjory the Frank
Reveals to Bob that he faked a wrist injury to allow Bob to play in the school match, feeling awkward and embarrassed about the revelation.
XXII: Wyatt Is Reminded of an Engagement
Mentioned as having shirked house-fielding, leading to his removal from the team.
A Surprise for Mr. Appleby
Wyatt tells Mike about the celebration; Mike is worried but does not voice his concerns.
Caught
Present in the dormitory when Mr. Wain catches Wyatt; feels the game is up.
Marching Orders
Lies in bed, anxious and silent, as Wyatt is caught and later informed of his expulsion.
XXVI: The Aftermath
Feels responsible for Wyatt's fate and writes to his father about a job in the Argentine.
The Ripton Match
Nervous about the Ripton match, hoping to make a century to earn his first eleven colours.
Mike Wins Home
Hero of the match, scores 83 runs and steers Wrykyn to victory with calm and skill.
Mr. Jackson Makes Up His Mind
Now a seasoned cricketer and the incoming captain of Wrykyn, Mike faces the shock of being removed from his school due to poor academic reports.
XXXI: Sedleigh
Arrives at Sedleigh in a gloomy, resentful mood, missing Wrykyn and lamenting the loss of his cricket captaincy.
Psmith
New arrival at Sedleigh, determined not to play cricket as a form of protest.
Staking Out a Claim
Carries out the physical work of decorating and preparing tea; supports Psmith in the confrontation with Spiller.
Guerilla Warfare
Supports Psmith in defending the study and agrees to the plan for a nighttime confrontation.
Unpleasantness in the Small Hours
Leads the defense with Psmith, enjoys the fight, and feels satisfied standing alone against the community.
Adair
Meets Adair for the first time and takes an instant dislike to him, refusing to play cricket.
Mike Finds Occupation
Desperately missing cricket, he reluctantly joins archaeological expeditions but secretly arranges to play for a village team.
The Fire Brigade Meeting
Mike is the central figure in the conflict with Mr. Downing, punished for his role in the Fire Brigade disruption despite shared blame with Wilson.
Achilles Leaves His Tent
Brooding over being kept in on Saturday and lending a sovereign to Jellicoe; reveals his Wrykyn cricket background and agrees to play against Downing's.
The Match with Downing’s
Plays a brilliant innings of 103 before lunch, refuses Adair's request to play for Sedleigh.
The Singular Behavior of Jellicoe
Exhausted after scoring 277 runs; lies in Psmith's deck-chair, aching and unable to sleep; gives Jellicoe his brother's postal order.
XLII: Jellicoe Goes on the Sick-List
Feels stiff and low-spirited after lending Jellicoe money and facing detention; is the target of Mr. Downing's sarcastic and angry lecture.
Mike Receives a Commission
Emerges from detention, feels behind the times, agrees to help Jellicoe by sneaking out at night.
And Fulfils It
Rides to Lower Borlock to pay Jellicoe's debt, discovers the joke, and returns to climb back into Outwood's.
Pursuit
Flees from Sergeant Collard and Mr. Downing after being caught climbing the water-pipe; rings the fire alarm to escape.
The Decoration of Sammy
Shows sympathy for the painted dog Sammy; receives knowing looks from Jellicoe about the bell-ringing incident.
A Check
Present at the house when Mr. Downing arrives; goes to the field to read.
L: The Destroyer of Evidence
Mentioned as the likely owner of the boot and friend of Psmith, but not present in the chapter.
LII: On the Trail Again
Goes to school in pumps after losing a boot, drawing Mr. Downing's ire.
The Kettle Method
Mentioned as the one who could get Stone and Robinson into the village team; Adair goes to see him after the confrontation.
Adair Has a Word with Mike
Reading a letter from Strachan about Wrykyn's cricket troubles; his bitterness toward Sedleigh resurfaces. He confronts Adair over being forced to play for the school.
Clearing the Air
Fights Adair and wins by knockout; experiences a change of heart, realizing he had been sulking; agrees to play for Sedleigh.
In Which Peace Is Declared
Reconciles with Adair, agrees to play in the match, and suggests arranging a fixture with Wrykyn.
Mr. Downing Moves
Summoned by Mr. Downing and accused of painting Sammy; distressed by the evidence against him.
The Artist Claims His Work
Falsely accused of painting Sammy; relieved when Psmith confesses.
Sedleigh v. Wrykyn
Key batsman and bowler; scores a fifty and takes a crucial catch to seal the win.
