# Reginald May — Phoebe, Junior character guide

> Reginald May in Phoebe, Junior by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Mr. May, dear Reginald, Reggie, young May

**First appearance:** 0000-i-the-pastor-s-progress

## Snapshot

An Oxford-educated clergyman's son who mistakes a tradesman's granddaughter for a revelation of London's intellectual world, and cannot see the social chasm he is drifting toward.

## Who they are

Reginald is the clever, restless son of a Carlingford parsonage, bored by reredos debates and his father's chilly household, and hungry for conversation that feels like another world. Phoebe Tozer's arrival gives him exactly that sensation, and he pursues her company without once asking himself what marrying old Tozer's granddaughter would cost. His blindness to class, and his family's anxious dependence on the Copperheads' money, make him the hinge on which the novel's central social collision turns.

## Relationships

### [Ursula May](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/ursula_may)

_family_

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

### [Phoebe Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/phoebe_tozer)

_romantic_

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

### [Clarence Copperhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/clarence_copperhead)

_rivalry_

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

### [Mr. Northcote](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/mr_northcote)

_professional_

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

### [Cotsdean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/cotsdean)

_professional_

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

### [Janey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/janey)

_family_

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

### [Phoebe Beecham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/phoebe_beecham)

_social_

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

### [Phoebe Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/phoebe_tozer)

_romantic_

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

### [Ursula May](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/ursula_may)

_family_

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

### [Phoebe Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/phoebe_tozer)

_romantic_

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

### [Ursula May](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/ursula_may)

_family_

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

### [Clarence Copperhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/clarence_copperhead)

_rivalry_

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

## In the story

### [Coming Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/x-papa)

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

### [X: Papa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xix-the-new-chaplain)

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

### [XX: That Tozer Girl!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxi-a-new-friend)

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

### [XXII: A Desperate Expedient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxv-tea)

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

### [XXVI: The Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxix-ursula-s-entr-es)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxix-ursula-s-entr-es)

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

### [Society at the Parsonage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxx-society-at-the-parsonage)

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

### [XXXI: Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxiii-a-disclosure)

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

### [XXXIV: An Extravagance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-pleasant-evening)

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

### [XXXVIII: An Expedition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxxix-a-catastrophe)

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

### [XL: The Sinned-Against](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xl-the-sinned-against)

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

### [XLI: A Morning's Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xli-a-morning-s-work)

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

### [XLII: A Great Mental Shock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/reginald_may
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters