Point Counter Point · Character

Dennis Burlap

The editor of the Literary World, whose unctuous talk of 'believing in Life' masks a bottomless, Tolstoy-modelled self-regard that makes honesty impossible in his presence.

supporting

Also known as Burlap, Denis, Denis Burlap

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Point Counter Point, Dennis Burlap is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Appears briefly in conversation with Mrs.

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Burlap presides over the Literary World with a weekly gospel of 'believing in Life,' a phrase Walter finds both ubiquitous and meaningless, and he conducts interviews with Tolstoyan impertinence, asking candidates whether they believe in Life and whether they are virgins. Walter feels perpetually false in his company, sensing that Burlap's compliments are really addressed to Burlap's own mind. As Walter's employer and the gatekeeper of literary fashion, Burlap embodies the novel's satire of humbug in the publishing world.

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See Dennis Burlap in ii

Character Web

31 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central characters and lovers
Minor characters and extras

+26 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs as the psychological and emotional peak of Sidney Quarles’s hypoc…

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Relationships

Beatrice Gilray
professional · negative
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while… How this plays out →
Walter Bidlake
friendship · ambivalent
Mark Rampion
rivalry · negative
Ethel Cobbett
psychological · negative
Mark Rampion
rivalry · negative
Beatrice Gilray
professional · negative
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while… How this plays out →
Walter Bidlake
friendship · ambivalent
Beatrice Gilray
professional · negative
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while… How this plays out →
Walter Bidlake
friendship · ambivalent
Mark Rampion
rivalry · negative
Ethel Cobbett
psychological · negative
Ethel Cobbett
psychological · negative

Beatrice Gilray
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while maintaining a professional facade.
Walter Bidlake
Dennis and Walter are literary acquaintances and rivals, sharing a superficial friendship marked by mutual envy and hypocrisy.
Mark Rampion
Dennis resents Mark's genuine vitality and artistic integrity, which expose his own pretentiousness and emotional dishonesty.
Ethel Cobbett
Dennis marries the naive Ethel and then emotionally dominates and exploits her under the guise of spiritual companionship.
Mark Rampion
Dennis resents Mark's genuine vitality and artistic integrity, which expose his own pretentiousness and emotional dishonesty.
Beatrice Gilray
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while maintaining a professional facade.
Walter Bidlake
Dennis and Walter are literary acquaintances and rivals, sharing a superficial friendship marked by mutual envy and hypocrisy.
Beatrice Gilray
Beatrice is Dennis's secretary and devoted admirer, whom he exploits emotionally while maintaining a professional facade.
Walter Bidlake
Dennis and Walter are literary acquaintances and rivals, sharing a superficial friendship marked by mutual envy and hypocrisy.
Mark Rampion
Dennis resents Mark's genuine vitality and artistic integrity, which expose his own pretentiousness and emotional dishonesty.
Ethel Cobbett
Dennis marries the naive Ethel and then emotionally dominates and exploits her under the guise of spiritual companionship.
Ethel Cobbett
Dennis marries the naive Ethel and then emotionally dominates and exploits her under the guise of spiritual companionship.

Relationship notes

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See Dennis Burlap in ii

In the story

Dennis Burlap appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
Appears briefly in conversation with Mrs. Betterton, discussing John Bidlake's cynicism and art with an uplifting tone.
VII
Seen drinking champagne and talking with the Comtesse d'Exergillod; later discusses Lucy with Molly.
XIII
In a genial mood at the office, discusses Rimbaud's belief in Life with Walter; his past relationship with Susan is revealed as self-centered and emotionally manipulative.
XVI
Writes a chapter on Franciscan poverty, negotiates payment for Rampion's drawings, and uses Rampion's phrases in his own work.
Chapter XVIII
Manipulates Beatrice's maternal solicitude and Miss Cobbett's loyalty; uses spirituality as a cover for carnality; feels victimized by the Romola Saville poetesses.
XXV
Mentioned in passing as someone Walter might 'murder' to join Lucy in Spain.
From Philip Quarles's Notebook
Mentioned as having written a squelchy emetic article on the intellectual's return to the obvious.
XXXIV
Exploits Beatrice's sympathy with spiritual talk and physical closeness, stroking her hair and laying his head on her lap.
XXXVII
Walks home pleased with himself after securing a lucrative serial rights deal and lecture series; successfully fires Ethel Cobbett.

Chapter companion notes

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See Dennis Burlap in ii

See Dennis Burlap in V