Parnassus on Wheels · Character

Roger Mifflin

A fiery little bookseller who trades his beloved traveling book wagon to Helen McGill, then can't quite let go of either the wagon or its new driver.

major

Also known as Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Roger Mifflin, Mifflin

First appearance: Parnassus on Wheels

As a major figure in Parnassus on Wheels, Roger Mifflin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the Professor, traveling with Helen on Parnassus, happily selling books.

In the storyA Letter to David Grayson, Esq., of Hempfield, U.S.A.Open this moment free

See Roger Mifflin in A Letter to David Grayson, Esq., of Hempfield, U.S.A.Book page

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Roger Mifflin has spent years peddling literature from Parnassus, a book wagon he loves more than most people, and he's finally decided to retreat to Brooklyn and write his own book. But his chivalrous streak wars with his plans: no sooner has he sold the outfit than he's shadowing Helen down country roads, convinced a woman traveling alone is courting disaster. His blend of quixotic gallantry, bookish passion, and comic stubbornness makes him the engine of the story's middle stretch.

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Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Romantic
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Core Traveling Group

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the protago…

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Relationships

Andrew McGill
rivalry · ambivalent
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a… How this plays out →
Helen McGill
romantic · positive
Bock
friendship · positive
Peg
friendship · positive
Sam Mason
friendship · positive
The Sage
friendship · positive
Redbeard
rivalry · negative
The Sage
friendship · positive
Helen McGill
romantic · positive
Andrew McGill
rivalry · ambivalent
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a… How this plays out →
Sam Mason
friendship · positive
Andrew McGill
rivalry · ambivalent
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a… How this plays out →

Andrew McGill
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops.
Helen McGill
Helen is drawn to Roger's free-spirited nature and they share a growing romantic bond.
Bock
Bock, a dog, is a loyal companion to Roger, following him on his travels.
Peg
Peg, a horse, is Roger's steadfast partner in pulling the Parnassus wagon.
Sam Mason
Roger and Sam share a friendly rapport, likely as fellow travelers or locals.
The Sage
Roger and The Sage share a bond of intellectual camaraderie and mutual respect.
Redbeard
Redbeard is a competitor or antagonist to Roger, possibly in the book-selling trade.
The Sage
Roger and The Sage share a bond of intellectual camaraderie and mutual respect.
Helen McGill
Helen is drawn to Roger's free-spirited nature and they share a growing romantic bond.
Andrew McGill
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops.
Sam Mason
Roger and Sam share a friendly rapport, likely as fellow travelers or locals.
Andrew McGill
Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Roger Mifflin appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Letter to David Grayson, Esq., of Hempfield, U.S.A.
Mentioned as the Professor, traveling with Helen on Parnassus, happily selling books.
Parnassus on Wheels
The traveling bookseller who sells his wagon, Parnassus, to Helen.
I
Not yet introduced in this chapter.
II
The eccentric book peddler who arrives at the farm with his traveling library; he persuades Helen to buy his wagon.
The Revolt of Helen McGill
Sells Parnassus to Helen, packs his belongings, and prepares to depart for Brooklyn.
The Caravan of Culture
Enthusiastic book peddler who explains his pricing code and missionary zeal for bringing books to rural people; charms the Mason family.
V
Drives Parnassus, gives a book-selling lecture in Greenbriar, and plans to push on to Port Vigor but decides to stay overnight in Shelby.
Chapter VI
Reads aloud from Andrew's book, discusses his own writing and his mission to bring literature to rural areas.
VII
Joins Helen after a second argument with Andrew; shows appreciation for Helen mending his cap.
Chapter VIII: The Pratts and the Road to Woodbridge
Recalled through the Pratts' stories as a hero who saved Dick from drowning and inspired the family's love of reading.
IX
Mifflin admits to following Helen to protect her from tramps, having spent the night in a haystack and fought a hobo.
The Notebook and the Morning After
Sleeps in the van after a harrowing night; his notebook reveals his loneliness and philosophical musings.
Chapter XI
Mentioned in Helen's thoughts; she misses his company and imagines his advice.
XII
Absent but central; Helen fears he died in a train wreck, then learns he is in jail in Port Vigor.
XIII
Mifflin is imprisoned in Port Vigor, accused of defrauding Helen.
XIV
Found writing in his prison cell; released by Helen.
XV
Proposes to Helen, marries her, and returns to Sabine Farm.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Roger Mifflin unlock in the free preview.

See Roger Mifflin in Parnassus on Wheels

See Roger Mifflin in A Letter to David Grayson, Esq., of Hempfield, U.S.A.