# Mr. Downing — Mike character guide

> Mr. Downing in Mike by P. G. Wodehouse.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Downing, Old Downing, old Downing, Thither Mr. Downing, Comrade Downing

**First appearance:** 0032-xxxi-sedleigh

## Who they are

Sedleigh's suspicious housemaster, whose portrait of his dog becomes the flashpoint for a war of denial, evidence, and unexpected confession.

## Relationships

### [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/psmith)

_rivalry_

Mr. Downing, a master at the school, is frequently at odds with Psmith due to Psmith's mischievous and rebellious nature.

### [Mike Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/mike_jackson)

_rivalry_

Mike is often in conflict with Mr. Downing, who disapproves of Mike's behavior and associations.

### [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/psmith)

_rivalry_

Mr. Downing, a master at the school, is frequently at odds with Psmith due to Psmith's mischievous and rebellious nature.

### [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/psmith)

_rivalry_

Mr. Downing, a master at the school, is frequently at odds with Psmith due to Psmith's mischievous and rebellious nature.

### [Mike Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/mike_jackson)

_rivalry_

Mike is often in conflict with Mr. Downing, who disapproves of Mike's behavior and associations.

### [Mike Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/mike_jackson)

_rivalry_

Mike is often in conflict with Mr. Downing, who disapproves of Mike's behavior and associations.

## In the story

### [Adair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxvi-adair)

A master who confronts Mike and Psmith about their refusal to play cricket, criticizing their archaeological interests.

### [The Fire Brigade Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-fire-brigade-meeting)

Mr. Downing, the form-master and Fire Brigade leader, shows favoritism by punishing Mike more severely than Wilson due to personal dislike.

### [The Match with Downing’s](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xl-the-match-with-downing-s)

Bowls poorly, is taken off after conceding many runs, and is mocked by the crowd.

### [The Singular Behavior of Jellicoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xli-the-singular-behavior-of-jellicoe)

Mentioned as the bowler whose bowling was hit for 28 runs in an over; Psmith predicts he will make things hot for Mike.

### [XLII: Jellicoe Goes on the Sick-List](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlii-jellicoe-goes-on-the-sick-list)

In a sarcastic mood, singles out Mike for his role in the previous day's rag; loses his inspiration when interrupted by a shuffling noise.

### [Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlv-pursuit)

Chases Mike across the cricket field after mistaking him for Adair; is a former sprinter.

### [Mr. Downing on the Scent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlvii-mr-downing-on-the-scent)

Investigates the boy who painted his dog red and rang the fire bell, determined to find the culprit.

### [The Sleuthhound](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlviii-the-sleuthhound)

Acts as the detective, interrogating Adair and Markby, and discovering the paint footprint.

### [A Check](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlix-a-check)

Investigates the dormitories and studies, searching for evidence about the dog painting incident.

### [L: The Destroyer of Evidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/l-the-destroyer-of-evidence)

Frustrated in his search for the paint-splashed boot; eventually outmaneuvered by Psmith.

### [LII: On the Trail Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lii-on-the-trail-again)

Detects Mike's pumps and uses the incident to complete his case against Mike, then hurries to the headmaster.

### [In Which Peace Is Declared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lvi-in-which-peace-is-declared)

Mentioned as the master Mike avoids; Adair says he is not a bad sort.

### [Mr. Downing Moves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lvii-mr-downing-moves)

Convinced Mike painted his dog; gathers evidence and confronts Mike, then is visited by Psmith who confesses.

### [The Artist Claims His Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lviii-the-artist-claims-his-work)

Brings accusation against Mike; later reports Psmith's confession.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters/mr_downing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/characters