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New Grub Street · Character

Willie

The young son of the Reardons, a sickly child.

minor

Also known as Poor little Willie

First appearance: XVII: The Parting

Willie shows up with force in IX: Invita Minerva. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Reardon considers the burden of supporting him and Amy.
In the storyIX: Invita MinervaOpen this moment free

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In IX: Invita Minerva: Reardon considers the burden of supporting him and Amy. Later, in XVII: The Parting: Amy and Reardon's child, who…

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

See Willie in XVII: The Parting

Character Web

7 connections

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

MRMiss RupertAYAlfred YuleARAmy ReardonEREdwin ReardonHBHarold BiffenWIWillie

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Extended social and family network
  • Central literary circle

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Jasper Milvain…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Willie appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Willie in XVII: The Parting