# Dunsford — Of Human Bondage character guide

> Dunsford in Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0043-xliv

## Snapshot

A good-humoured, heavy-set medical student who attaches himself to Philip at St. Luke's and quietly absorbs every joke made at his expense.

## Who they are

Dunsford is the first acquaintance Philip makes at St. Luke's, a friendless London newcomer who latches onto him out of sheer convenience and stays out of genuine sweetness. He is stupid but never takes offence, always says the obvious thing, and has a smile Philip envies because he knows he lacks its charm. Their Saturday nights at music halls and tea-shop visits — where Dunsford pines hopelessly after an anaemic waitress — give Philip his first taste of ordinary companionship, and Dunsford's uncomplicated warmth exposes the coldness Philip is cultivating in himself.

## In the story

### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/liv)

A new student from Clifton who befriends Philip on the first day and explains the curriculum.

### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lv)

Philip's new friend, a good-humored but simple medical student who admires the waitress Mildred.

### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lvi)

Mentioned as Philip's friend with attractive features that Mildred remembers.

### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lix)

Dunsford accompanies Philip to tea, but Philip is too distracted by thoughts of Mildred to engage in conversation.

### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxiii)

Studied anatomy with Philip, but is only mentioned briefly in the context of their shared preparation.

### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxxi)

Dunsford is mentioned as a fellow student who also clerks for Dr. Tyrell.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/dunsford
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- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters