# Griffiths — Of Human Bondage character guide

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

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Griffiths

**First appearance:** 0045-xlvi

## Snapshot

A magnetic, easygoing medical student whose charm wins Philip's friendship fast—and whose appetites will test exactly what that friendship is worth.

## Who they are

Griffiths enters Philip's hospital years as the kind of man everyone warms to: handsome, unbothered, generous with talk and drink, the opposite of Philip's self-conscious intensity. Philip, starved for easy companionship, idealizes him and brings him into the closest corners of his life. The friendship becomes a study in how charm and appetite can outrun loyalty, forcing Philip to reckon with what he is willing to forgive in someone he loves.

## Relationships

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A charismatic friend who betrays Philip by seducing Mildred, causing deep hurt and resentment.

### [Mildred Rogers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/mildred_rogers)

_romantic_

A brief, passionate affair that devastates Philip and reveals Mildred's shallow nature.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A charismatic friend who betrays Philip by seducing Mildred, causing deep hurt and resentment.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_friendship_

A charismatic friend who betrays Philip by seducing Mildred, causing deep hurt and resentment.

### [Mildred Rogers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/mildred_rogers)

_romantic_

A brief, passionate affair that devastates Philip and reveals Mildred's shallow nature.

### [Mildred Rogers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/mildred_rogers)

_romantic_

A brief, passionate affair that devastates Philip and reveals Mildred's shallow nature.

## In the story

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

A fifth-year medical student living above Philip; popular and sociable, contrasting with Philip's isolation.

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

Griffiths is mentioned as having a noisy party on the floor above Philip's rooms, adding to Philip's misery.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxviii)

Nurses Philip through influenza with tenderness and charm; described as a flirtatious, generous, and vital young man.

### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxi)

Advises Philip on how to end the affair with Norah.

### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxiv)

Griffiths flirts with Mildred, holding her hand in secret, and lies to Philip when confronted about his feelings.

### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxv)

Griffiths is mentioned through his letter to Mildred, declaring his love for her despite knowing Philip's feelings.

### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvi)

Griffiths is portrayed as selfish and fickle, avoiding Philip after his betrayal. He is willing to sacrifice his friendship with Philip for his own desires, but ultimately lacks the means to support Mildred.

### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvii)

Has already left with his luggage; waits outside while Mildred collects the money, then departs with her.

### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxviii)

Griffiths writes a remorseful letter to Philip, apologizing for running off with Mildred and asking for forgiveness.

### [Chapter LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxx)

Grows bored with Mildred, avoids her, and finally breaks off contact.

### [Chapter CXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxxi)

Philip contrasts his own sense of duty with Griffiths' likely indifference in a similar situation.

## Links

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