# Mr. Perkins — Of Human Bondage character guide

> Mr. Perkins in Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Perkins

**First appearance:** 0007-viii

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

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

_professional_

The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits.

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

_professional_

The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits.

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

_professional_

The headmaster of Philip's school who recognizes his potential and encourages his academic pursuits.

## In the story

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xv)

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

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

The headmaster takes confirmation preparation seriously, speaks to Philip about his future and his clubfoot, and inspires Philip's devotion.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xx)

The headmaster tries to revive Philip's ambition and persuade him to be ordained, using emotional appeal.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxi)

The headmaster tries to persuade Philip to stay for Oxford but ultimately keeps his promise to let him go.

## Links

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