Point Counter Point · Character

Illidge

A freckled, sharp-faced young scientist whose Byronic pose and simmering resentment at the arts' fashionable triumph betray a man furious at being overlooked.

supporting

Also known as Frank Illidge, Francis, Young Illidge

First appearance: vii

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

Lord Edward's assistant, accompanies him to the party, feeling embarrassed and contemptuous toward the guests.

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Illidge works in science but moves on the edges of the literary set, leaning against pillars at parties with a contempt he cannot quite carry off given his small, jerky frame and sandy complexion. He confesses to Walter that seeing 'some wretched little scribbler with a tenth of my intelligence' cooed over makes him furious, and his bitterness is only half-joking. His radical politics and association with Spandrell mark him as a figure whose intellectual gifts and social grievances will pull him toward darker currents.

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The fuller portrait of Illidge sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Illidge in vii

Character Web

37 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central characters and lovers
Political and social rivals
Minor characters and extras
Minor acquaintances and staff

+32 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

Spandrell
friendship · negative
Illidge is Spandrell's cynical, scientific-minded friend and accomplice, drawn into his… How this plays out →
Spandrell
friendship · negative
Illidge is Spandrell's cynical, scientific-minded friend and accomplice, drawn into his… How this plays out →
Spandrell
friendship · negative
Illidge is Spandrell's cynical, scientific-minded friend and accomplice, drawn into his… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Illidge in vii

In the story

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

III
Lord Edward's assistant, accompanies him to the party, feeling embarrassed and contemptuous toward the guests.
Chapter IV
Attempts to explain his newt research to Lady Edward but feels dismissed when she introduces him to General Knoyle without listening.
V
Expresses bitter class resentment, envies artists' success, and criticizes the rich as diseased and unneighborly; feels conflicted affection for Lord Edward.
XXI
Mocks Spandrell's romanticism about war, reflects on his own improbable social ascent while drinking claret among the elite.
XXII
Mentioned as someone who would attribute Philip's lack of acquisitiveness to his upbringing with easy money.
XXIX
Argues with Spandrell about political action, feeling humiliated and angry at Spandrell's derision.
XXXIII
Horrified and trembling after the murder, struggles with guilt and is forced by Spandrell to maintain an alibi at Tantamount House.
XXXVI
Receives a postcard from Spandrell; has gone to Lancashire to stay with his mother.
XXXVII
Mentioned in Spandrell's confession letter as an accomplice in Webley's murder.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Illidge unlock in the free preview.

See Illidge in vii

See Illidge in III