# William Carey — Of Human Bondage character guide > William Carey in Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** The Rev. William Carey, William, Uncle William **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Who they are Philip's stern, religious uncle who raises him after his mother's death. ## In the story ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/iii) Philip's uncle, who reluctantly takes charge of him and explains the financial constraints of the family. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/iv) Walks with Philip from the station, makes up the fire, and shares his egg top. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/v) The Vicar reflects on his brother's extravagance and his sister-in-law's beauty, and is irritated by the dozen photographs. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/vi) The Vicar reads the Times, teaches Philip Latin and mathematics poorly, and has a tense relationship with the churchwarden Josiah Graves. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/vii) The Vicar strictly observes Sunday duties, polishes the communion plate, insists on his egg for his voice, and counts the offerings after service. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/viii) Irritable and strict; punishes Philip for playing on Sunday and forbids him from attending church. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/ix) Assigns Philip the collect to learn, takes his afternoon nap, and later allows Mrs. Carey to give Philip books. ### [Philip Goes to School](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/x) Uncle William accompanies Philip to school, speaks with the headmaster, and leaves Philip there. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xiv) Uncle William dismissively explains that faith is required for miracles, leaving Philip feeling misled when his prayers go unanswered. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xx) Philip's uncle, a vicar, is mentioned as weak and selfish, contributing to Philip's rejection of the clergy. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxi) Uncle William resists changing plans for Philip and writes to Mr. Perkins about Philip's wish to leave at Christmas. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxii) Uncle William is described as stouter, balder, grayer, and insignificant; Philip sees him as weak and self-indulgent. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxiii) Corresponds with the family lawyer about Philip's career; decides on chartered accountancy. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxv) Sees Miss Wilkinson off at the station with Philip; is kissed by her on the train. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxvii) Sends Philip fourteen pounds a month; goes to Cornwall with his wife for Christmas. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxxix) The Vicar firmly opposes Philip's plan, insisting he stick to his chosen profession and condemning Paris as immoral. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/li) Writes to Philip informing him of Aunt Louisa's death and requesting his presence at the funeral. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lii) Recently widowed; reads the paper, eats heartily, discusses funeral wreaths, and gives Mary Ann notice; questions Philip's decisions and mentions his clubfoot. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/liii) Mr. Carey retires to his study after a brief conversation with Philip about what he learned in Paris. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxviii) Philip telegraphs his uncle and returns to the vicarage at Blackstable for solace. ### [XCVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xcviii) Uncle William refuses Philip's request for a loan, citing his own financial prudence and Philip's past irresponsibility, leaving Philip in dire straits. ### [C](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/c) Philip thinks of his uncle's eventual death as his only hope for an inheritance. ### [CV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cv) Philip obsessively wishes for his death to inherit money, calculating his age and health conditions. ### [CVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cviii) Aged and frail after a severe illness, invites Philip to Blackstable, shows signs of decline. ### [Chapter CX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cx) The dying vicar, clinging to life despite pain and monotony, anxious about his health and dependent on Mrs. Foster. ### [CXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxi) The dying vicar; initially rallies but then declines; receives communion and dies peacefully, claiming he will rejoin his wife. ### [CXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxii) Deceased; his will, papers, and a letter from Philip's mother are examined. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/william_carey - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters