Mike · Character

Mr. Outwood

A gentle, fossil-collecting Sedleigh master who treats Mike as his own special discovery and takes quiet pride in the boy's cricket.

supporting

Also known as Outwood, the matron—Comrade Outwood, old Outwood, Comrade Outwood

First appearance: XXXI: Sedleigh

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

The housemaster at Sedleigh, a mild, bookish man who is more interested in ruined abbeys than in his new student.

In the storyXXXI: SedleighOpen this moment free

See Mr. Outwood in XXXI: Sedleigh Book page

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Mr. Outwood is the mild, slightly absent-minded housemaster who claims credit for Mike's arrival at Sedleigh and beams over his athletic promise. His kindly, uncritical manner contrasts with the school's stricter authorities, and his faith in Mike adds warmth to the early chapters. Where other masters see a report full of failings, Outwood sees a future century-maker, and that generous misreading shapes how Mike is received.

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

See Mr. Outwood in XXXI: Sedleigh

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Sedleigh and Wrykyn students
Wrykyn cricket team members
Extended cast and background characters

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak where months of…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Psmith
professional · ambivalent
Psmith
professional · ambivalent
Psmith
professional · ambivalent

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Outwood in XXXI: Sedleigh

In the story

Mr. Outwood appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXXI: Sedleigh
The housemaster at Sedleigh, a mild, bookish man who is more interested in ruined abbeys than in his new student.
Psmith
Head of the Archaeological Society, described as an 'archaeological cove' who leads expeditions.
Staking Out a Claim
The housemaster, who is easily persuaded by Psmith to allow him and Mike to keep the study and to join the Archaeological Society.
Guerilla Warfare
Grants permission for Mike, Psmith, and Jellicoe to share the three-bed dormitory.
Unpleasantness in the Small Hours
Housemaster who does his rounds at eleven but fails to hear the commotion.
Mike Finds Occupation
Leads the Archaeological Society expeditions, keeping Mike and Psmith close as faithful members.
Mr. Downing on the Scent
Passes on Sergeant Collard's report to Mr. Downing, helping narrow the search to his house.
L: The Destroyer of Evidence
Referenced as the owner of the cupboard that Psmith refuses to let Mr. Downing break open.
Clearing the Air
Mentioned as the archaeological master whose disciple Psmith has been.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Outwood in XXXI: Sedleigh