# Roger Mifflin — Parnassus on Wheels character guide > Roger Mifflin in Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Roger Mifflin, Mifflin **First appearance:** 0002-parnassus-on-wheels ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Andrew McGill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/andrew_mcgill) _rivalry_ Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops. ### [Helen McGill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/helen_mcgill) _romantic_ Helen is drawn to Roger's free-spirited nature and they share a growing romantic bond. ### [Bock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/bock) _friendship_ Bock, a dog, is a loyal companion to Roger, following him on his travels. ### [Peg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/peg) _friendship_ Peg, a horse, is Roger's steadfast partner in pulling the Parnassus wagon. ### [Sam Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/sam_mason) _friendship_ Roger and Sam share a friendly rapport, likely as fellow travelers or locals. ### [The Sage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/the_sage) _friendship_ Roger and The Sage share a bond of intellectual camaraderie and mutual respect. ### [Redbeard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/redbeard) _rivalry_ Redbeard is a competitor or antagonist to Roger, possibly in the book-selling trade. ### [The Sage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/the_sage) _friendship_ Roger and The Sage share a bond of intellectual camaraderie and mutual respect. ### [Helen McGill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/helen_mcgill) _romantic_ Helen is drawn to Roger's free-spirited nature and they share a growing romantic bond. ### [Andrew McGill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/andrew_mcgill) _rivalry_ Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops. ### [Sam Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/sam_mason) _friendship_ Roger and Sam share a friendly rapport, likely as fellow travelers or locals. ### [Andrew McGill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/andrew_mcgill) _rivalry_ Andrew initially resents Roger for buying the farm and disrupting his life, but a grudging respect develops. ## In the story ### [A Letter to David Grayson, Esq., of Hempfield, U.S.A.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/parnassus-on-wheels) The traveling bookseller who sells his wagon, Parnassus, to Helen. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/i) Not yet introduced in this chapter. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/iii) Sells Parnassus to Helen, packs his belongings, and prepares to depart for Brooklyn. ### [The Caravan of Culture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/iv) Enthusiastic book peddler who explains his pricing code and missionary zeal for bringing books to rural people; charms the Mason family. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/vi) Reads aloud from Andrew's book, discusses his own writing and his mission to bring literature to rural areas. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/viii) Recalled through the Pratts' stories as a hero who saved Dick from drowning and inspired the family's love of reading. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/x) Sleeps in the van after a harrowing night; his notebook reveals his loneliness and philosophical musings. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned in Helen's thoughts; she misses his company and imagines his advice. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/xii) Absent but central; Helen fears he died in a train wreck, then learns he is in jail in Port Vigor. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/xiii) Mifflin is imprisoned in Port Vigor, accused of defrauding Helen. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/xiv) Found writing in his prison cell; released by Helen. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/chapters/xv) Proposes to Helen, marries her, and returns to Sabine Farm. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters/roger_mifflin - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/parnassus_on_wheels_se/characters