Reginald May

Ursula May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Phoebe Tozer

Phoebe is attracted to Reginald and hopes to marry him, though he is initially more interested in Ursula.

Clarence Copperhead

Clarence and Reginald are romantic rivals for Phoebe Tozer's affections, leading to tension and jealousy.

Mr. Northcote

Mr. Northcote is Reginald's wealthy and influential parishioner, who often advises him on financial and social matters.

Cotsdean

Cotsdean is Reginald's dishonest clerk, who embezzles money and causes Reginald significant trouble.

Janey

Janey is Reginald's younger daughter, who is affectionate but often overlooked in favor of Ursula.

Phoebe Beecham

Phoebe Beecham and Reginald May are acquaintances, with Phoebe acting as a neutral party in his romantic affairs.

Phoebe Tozer

Phoebe is attracted to Reginald and hopes to marry him, though he is initially more interested in Ursula.

Ursula May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Phoebe Tozer

Phoebe is attracted to Reginald and hopes to marry him, though he is initially more interested in Ursula.

Ursula May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Clarence Copperhead

Clarence and Reginald are romantic rivals for Phoebe Tozer's affections, leading to tension and jealousy.

Coming Home

Has accepted the chaplaincy/wardenship of the old college, but is troubled by its sinecure nature and the disorder at home.

X: Papa

Offered a sinecure but has scruples about accepting it; Ursula plans to argue him into taking it.

X: Papa

The father, a clergyman who feels burdened by his motherless family, is self-centered but charming, and is greeted by his younger children upon returning home.

XV: A Domestic Crisis

Reginald is pressured by his father to accept a chaplaincy sinecure, but he objects on moral grounds, feeling it is dishonest work.

XV: A Domestic Crisis

The father of the family, Mr. May is irritable and domineering, lashing out at his children and insisting Reginald accept the chaplaincy immediately.

XVI: The New Gentleman

Mentioned as having accepted the chaplaincy following Mr. May's sudden onslaught on his family, linked to Phoebe's arrival.

Mr. May's Affairs

Mr. May has misappropriated remittances intended for Reginald's Oxford expenses, contributing to his resentment toward his son.

XIX: The New Chaplain

Has accepted the chaplaincy and feels a surprising relief and independence; takes his sisters to see the College rooms.

XIX: The New Chaplain

Joins the group at the Parsonage gates, is impressed by Phoebe, and supports Ursula's invitation.

XX: That Tozer Girl!

Reginald is roused by the mention of the Anti-State Church Meeting attack and becomes obstinate and defiant, insisting he will not be driven from his resolution.

A New Friend

Defends his right to talk to Phoebe without permission and prepares to move into the College.

XXII: A Desperate Expedient

Enters during tea, good-humoredly discussing the Dissenting minister who attacked him; Phoebe takes 'everybody's side.'

XXII: A Desperate Expedient

Tormented by the impending financial ruin from Cotsdean's bill; he is distracted during tea, then retreats to his study in despair.

XXIII: Tided Over

Mr. May arrives at Cotsdean's shop with a new bill for 150 pounds, backed by Tozer, to tide over their financial crisis. He is calm and persuasive, though Cotsdean is wary of the additional debt.

A Visit

Walks with Phoebe, feels irritated yet pleased by her attention; receives a letter from Sir Robert Dorset and is not invited to the dinner.

Tea

The Anglican chaplain, initially hesitant but joins the tea, engages in debate with Northcote.

XXVI: The Hall

Mr. May is the guest of honor, admired as an orator and literary man. He is drawn out by the Rector's wife, enjoying the intellectual deference he lacks at home.

A Pair of Natural Enemies

Engages in a philosophical debate with Northcote, defending the Church and the College's charity for the elderly, while feeling magnanimous on his own ground.

XXVIII: The New Pupil

The clergyman host, he graciously welcomes Northcote despite his Dissenter status and invites Phoebe to dinner, showing his diplomatic nature.

Ursula's Entrées

Reveals his fascination with Phoebe Tozer, admiring her intellect and freshness, though he denies being in love; dismisses the idea of marrying beneath his social station.

Ursula's Entrées

Criticizes the entrées at dinner, unaware Ursula made them; later complains about the prospect of violin music.

Society at the Parsonage

Shows magnanimity toward Northcote, enjoys discussing Shakespeare with Phoebe, and grows increasingly fond of her.

XXXI: Society

Deeply touched by Phoebe's reticence, goes to No. 6 to protest and insinuate admiration; reproves Janey for her harsh words about Mrs. Tozer.

XXXII: Lovemaking

Reginald is clearly in love with Phoebe, following her closely in the garden and resenting Clarence's interruptions. Phoebe sees him as young and simple, vulnerable to folly.

A Disclosure

Reginald is mentioned as having forgiven Mr. Northcote despite being attacked by him, showing Christian charity.

XXXIV: An Extravagance

Mr. May enjoys the new comforts and social life, buys a bookcase with James's money, and dismisses Cotsdean's concerns.

The Millionaire

Shows Mr. Copperhead around the College but is offended by Copperhead's remarks about his chaplaincy being a 'snug nest'.

Father and Son

Maintains a facade of cheerfulness but feels his heart sink as Mr. Copperhead's plans dash his own hopes.

A Pleasant Evening

Frustrated by Phoebe's evasiveness during the piano playing, but hopeful for a chance to declare his love.

XXXVIII: An Expedition

Engrossed in financial calculations, he decides to visit the Hall to secure funds from Mr. Copperhead, leaving early by train.

XXXIX: A Catastrophe

Present at the evening gathering; helps lift his father after the collapse.

XL: The Sinned-Against

Present at the parsonage advising to wait and watch Mr. May.

XLI: A Morning's Work

Lies ill and restless after his fit, watched over by Phoebe.

XLII: A Great Mental Shock

Struggles with helplessness and guilt as he tries to understand his father's condition; searches his father's study and discovers cryptic entries about Cotsdean.