# Mr. Merry — Pastors and Masters character guide

> Mr. Merry in Pastors and Masters by Ivy Compton-Burnett.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Merry, Dear Mr. Merry

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Who they are

The schoolmaster whose fussy, self-pitying table-talk about marmalade and ungrateful boys masks a man with no place in his life for criticism at all.

## Relationships

### [Emily Herrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/emily_herrick)

_professional_

Emily and Mr. Merry have a frequent professional relationship, possibly as teacher and student or administrative colleagues.

### [Mr. Burgess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mr_burgess)

_rivalry_

Mr. Burgess and Mr. Merry are antagonists, competing for influence or authority within the school hierarchy.

### [Miss Herrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/miss_herrick)

_professional_

Miss Herrick and Mr. Merry have a formal professional relationship, likely as colleagues in the school.

### [Miss Basden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/miss_basden)

_professional_

Miss Basden and Mr. Merry have a professional relationship, possibly as fellow teachers with some tension.

### [Mrs. Merry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mrs_merry)

_family_

Mr. Merry and Mrs. Merry are married, sharing a domestic partnership within the story.

### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mother)

_social_

Mother and Mr. Merry are social acquaintances, possibly connected through school or family ties.

### [Emily Herrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/emily_herrick)

_professional_

Emily and Mr. Merry have a frequent professional relationship, possibly as teacher and student or administrative colleagues.

### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mother)

_social_

Mother and Mr. Merry are social acquaintances, possibly connected through school or family ties.

### [Mr. Burgess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mr_burgess)

_rivalry_

Mr. Burgess and Mr. Merry are antagonists, competing for influence or authority within the school hierarchy.

### [Miss Herrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/miss_herrick)

_professional_

Miss Herrick and Mr. Merry have a formal professional relationship, likely as colleagues in the school.

### [Miss Basden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/miss_basden)

_professional_

Miss Basden and Mr. Merry have a professional relationship, possibly as fellow teachers with some tension.

### [Miss Basden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/miss_basden)

_professional_

Miss Basden and Mr. Merry have a professional relationship, possibly as fellow teachers with some tension.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/chapters/i)

Opens the chapter with a dramatic complaint about schoolmastering; displays a mix of affection, disgust, and despair toward the boys; handles a parent visit with flattery and charm.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/chapters/iv)

Scolds the boys for their slovenly appearance and tries to reassure Mrs. Merry during the prize-giving chaos.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned as the schoolmaster, criticized by Mr. Bentley for his teaching.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/chapters/vii)

Hosts the dinner, tries to keep the conversation light, and expresses concern for his wife's absence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters/mr_merry
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pastors_and_masters_se/characters