Of Human Bondage · Character

Mr. Perkins

The headmaster of King's School at Tercanbury, who mentors Philip.

minor

Also known as Perkins

First appearance: viii

Mr. Perkins's tie to Philip Carey is one of the pressures that moves Of Human Bondage—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

New headmaster, son of a linendraper, appointed by the Chapter; viewed with suspicion by the old masters.

In the storyXVOpen this moment free

See Mr. Perkins in XV Book page

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With Philip Carey (professional): The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits. With Philip Carey (professional): The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits. With Philip Carey (professional): The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits.

Continue beside the text

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

See Mr. Perkins in viii

Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Medical and Work Acquaintances
Heidelberg and Blackstable Circle
Protagonist
Philip's Romantic and Professional Circles

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the full psychological inversion of Philip’s charact…

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Relationships

Philip Carey
professional · positive
The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his… How this plays out →
Philip Carey
professional · positive
The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his… How this plays out →
Philip Carey
professional · positive
The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Perkins in viii

In the story

Mr. Perkins appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XV
New headmaster, son of a linendraper, appointed by the Chapter; viewed with suspicion by the old masters.
Chapter XVI
The headmaster introduces progressive changes to the school, including new teachers and class-swapping. He shows Philip photographs of Athens and reveals his own past bullying by Mr. Gordon.
XVII
The headmaster takes confirmation preparation seriously, speaks to Philip about his future and his clubfoot, and inspires Philip's devotion.
XX
The headmaster tries to revive Philip's ambition and persuade him to be ordained, using emotional appeal.
XXI
The headmaster tries to persuade Philip to stay for Oxford but ultimately keeps his promise to let him go.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Perkins in viii

See Mr. Perkins in XV