Our Mutual Friend · Character

Reginald Wilfer

Bella's gentle, threadbare father, a clerk whose conciliatory nature and mild arithmetic make him the household's peacemaker and its quiet victim.

supporting

Also known as R. Wilfer, Wilfer, Rumty, Pa

First appearance: The R. Wilfer Family

As a supporting figure in Our Mutual Friend, Reginald Wilfer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The poor clerk and patriarch, cherubic in appearance, who signs his name as R.

In the storyThe R. Wilfer FamilyOpen this moment free

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R. Wilfer, called Rumty and Pa, is a mild clerk who seems to count his many children anew each time one appears and who argues from a fellow-creature point of view. He yields to his wife's severe monotony with a…

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See Reginald Wilfer in The R. Wilfer Family

Character Web

56 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and rivals
Minor associates of Boffins and travelers
Minor characters and background figures

+51 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 scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Betty Higden’s life…

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Relationships

Bella Wilfer
family · positive
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who… How this plays out →
Bella Wilfer
family · positive
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who… How this plays out →
Bella Wilfer
family · positive
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who… How this plays out →

Bella Wilfer
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who adores her despite her early vanity.
Bella Wilfer
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who adores her despite her early vanity.
Bella Wilfer
Bella is the cherished daughter of Reginald Wilfer, a kind but impoverished clerk who adores her despite her early vanity.

Relationship notes

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

See Reginald Wilfer in The R. Wilfer Family

In the story

Reginald Wilfer appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The R. Wilfer Family
The poor clerk and patriarch, cherubic in appearance, who signs his name as R. Wilfer and is known as 'Rumty' in his neighborhood.
Strong of Purpose
Shows off a new suit from Bella and discusses African travel with Rokesmith.
A Happy Return of the Day
The cherubic father, apologetic and good-natured, tries to ensure his wife is enjoying herself and is put in mortal terror by Bella's teasing.
The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins
Bella's father, who supports her decision and shares a tender moment with her after the family conflict.
A Runaway Match
Gives away his daughter Bella at the wedding and joins the celebratory dinner, though anxious about Mrs. Wilfer's potential appearance.
Concerning the Mendicant's Bride
The cherubic father who secretly supported Bella's marriage and is relieved when the family reconciles.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Reginald Wilfer unlock in the free preview.

See Reginald Wilfer in The R. Wilfer Family