# Psmith — Psmith in the City character guide > Psmith in Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse. **Role:** major **Also known as:** P. G. Wodehouse Psmith, Sieur de Psmith, Psmith Baffled, Outwardly Psmith, Shropshire Psmith, Smithy **First appearance:** 0003-i-mr-bickersdyke-walks-behind-the-bowler-s-arm ## Snapshot A monocled, silver-tongued Etonian who treats the bank as a stage and its clerks as an audience, adopting Mike as his comrade-in-arms. ## Who they are Psmith arrives at the New Asiatic Bank with an eyeglass, an unshakeable drawl, and a genius for turning dull routine into comedy. Beneath the languid pose lies a patient strategist: he studies Manchester United trivia for a fortnight simply to win over the football-mad Mr. Rossiter, then quietly sets his sights on haunting Mr. Bickersdyke at the club. His loyalty to Mike, whom he christens Comrade Jackson, gives the story its warmest and funniest alliance. ## Relationships ### [Mike Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mike_jackson) _friendship_ Close friends and allies, with Psmith often guiding and amusing Mike through their shared work and adventures. ### [Mr. Bickersdyke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mr_bickersdyke) _rivalry_ Antagonistic relationship where Psmith constantly outwits and undermines his bank manager and later political opponent. ### [Mr. Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mr_jackson) _professional_ Psmith interacts with Mike's father as a respectful colleague and occasional ally in financial matters. ### [Mr. Waller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mr_waller) _professional_ Psmith and Waller are colleagues at the bank, with Psmith often manipulating Waller's good nature. ### [Sir John Morrison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/sir_john_morrison) _professional_ Psmith works as Sir John's secretary, a position he uses to advance his own schemes and impress his employer. ### [Rossiter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/rossiter) _professional_ Rossiter is a senior clerk at the bank who Psmith treats with amused condescension and occasional manipulation. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/father) _family_ Psmith's father is a wealthy, eccentric man who supports his son's schemes and shares his love of elaborate plans. ### [Bristow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/bristow) _professional_ Bristow is a bank clerk who Psmith treats as a subordinate and occasional pawn in his schemes. ### [Mr. Gregory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mr_gregory) _rivalry_ Gregory is a bank official who clashes with Psmith due to Psmith's casual attitude and manipulations. ### [Bannister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/bannister) _professional_ Bannister is a bank clerk who Psmith often delegates tasks to, treating him with polite but firm authority. ### [Comrade Jellicoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/comrade_jellicoe) _friendship_ Jellicoe is a fellow bank clerk and friend of Psmith, often involved in his lighthearted schemes and social activities. ### [Mike Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/mike_jackson) _friendship_ Close friends and allies, with Psmith often guiding and amusing Mike through their shared work and adventures. ## In the story ### [Psmith in the City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/psmith-in-the-city) Joins the bank, haunts Bickersdyke, discovers Waller's socialism, plans future, resigns. ### [Mr. Bickersdyke Walks Behind the Bowler's Arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/i-mr-bickersdyke-walks-behind-the-bowler-s-arm) Mike's friend and host; discusses his uncertain future and his father's plans. ### [The New Era Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/iii-the-new-era-begins) Psmith writes a letter to Mike describing his ongoing efforts to improve Mr. Bickersdyke, mentioning his criticism of Bickersdyke's bridge playing and made-up tie. ### [The Other Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/v-the-other-man) Arrives unexpectedly at the bank, announcing he has joined the staff. He humorously introduces himself to Mr. Rossiter and declares his intention to become a diligent worker. ### [Psmith Explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/vi-psmith-explains) Explains his presence at the bank and his plan to haunt Mr. Bickersdyke at the Senior Conservative Club. ### [VII: Going Into Winter Quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/vii-going-into-winter-quarters) Invites Mike to share his flat; deflects Rossiter's and Bickersdyke's inquiries with wit; decides to cultivate Rossiter after his unexpected defense. ### [VIII: The Friendly Native](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/viii-the-friendly-native) Devises a plan to befriend Mr. Rossiter by discovering his hobby; tries stamps and Hall Caine before learning of Rossiter's football interest. ### [The Haunting of Mr. Bickersdyke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke) Executes a calculated campaign to haunt Mr. Bickersdyke at the club, using patience and subtle psychological tactics. ### [X: Mr. Bickersdyke Addresses His Constituents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/x-mr-bickersdyke-addresses-his-constituents) Works in the Postage Department, praised by Mr. Rossiter. Attends Mr. Bickersdyke's political meeting and heckles him twice, breaking his rhythm. ### [Misunderstood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xi-misunderstood) Returns to the flat with a bruised forehead and disheveled appearance after the meeting. He humorously recounts the events and expresses sorrow that Bickersdyke misunderstands his motives. ### [In a Nutshell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xii-in-a-nutshell) Defends himself against Bickersdyke's accusations with wit and logic, using the parable of Agesilaus and the pterodactyl. ### [Mike Is Moved On](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xiii-mike-is-moved-on) Psmith continues to befriend Mike, pays for their outings, and uses tact to improve relations with Mr. Rossiter. ### [Mr. Waller Appears in a New Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xiv-mr-waller-appears-in-a-new-light) Visits Mike in the Cash Department, complains about Bristow's waistcoat and his own struggles as a reformer, and discovers Mr. Waller's Socialism. ### [Stirring Times on the Common](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xv-stirring-times-on-the-common) Accompanies Mike and Mr. Waller to the meeting; expresses interest in oratory and keeps watch during the fight. ### [Further Developments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xvi-further-developments) Defends himself and Mike in the fight, bribes the policeman, and humorously bemoans riding a tram. ### [Sunday Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xvii-sunday-supper) Insists on attending Mr. Waller's supper; remains composed and makes witty observations throughout the awkward meal. ### [Psmith Makes a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xviii-psmith-makes-a-discovery) Psmith secures the Tulse Hill Parliament record from Mr. Waller, recognizing its potential leverage against Mr. Bickersdyke. ### [XIX: The Illness of Edward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xix-the-illness-of-edward) Psmith is dealing with Bristow's fashion choices and agrees to investigate Mr. Waller's mood; he reports that Edward is ill. ### [Concerning a Cheque](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xx-concerning-a-cheque) Decides to abandon reforming Bristow and focus his attention on Mr. Bickersdyke. ### [XXI: Psmith Makes Inquiries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxi-psmith-makes-inquiries) Leans gracefully against his desk, muses on commercial duties, and decides to investigate Mike's trouble with Bickersdyke. ### [And Takes Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxii-and-takes-steps) Psmith follows Mr. Bickersdyke into the Turkish Baths to discuss Mike's situation, acting on his maxim of seizing the moment. ### [Mr. Bickersdyke Makes a Concession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-bickersdyke-makes-a-concession) Confronts Mr. Bickersdyke in the Turkish bath, using blackmail to secure Mike's job. ### [The Spirit of Unrest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxiv-the-spirit-of-unrest) Reveals his role in influencing Bickersdyke's decision to keep Mike; notes that Bickersdyke's election removes their leverage. ### [At the Telephone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxv-at-the-telephone) Notices Mike's restlessness and tries to soothe him with humorous suggestions for a seaside weekend, showing his concern for his friend. ### [Breaking the News](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxvi-breaking-the-news) Informs Mr. Gregory of Mike's absence and later faces Mr. Bickersdyke, who assigns him to the Fixed Deposits Department. ### [At Lord's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxvii-at-lord-s) Speaks with Mike on the phone; reports taking over Mike's duties in Fixed Deposits and his confrontations with Mr. Gregory and Mr. Bickersdyke. ### [XXVIII: Psmith Arranges His Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxviii-psmith-arranges-his-future) Slips out of the bank early, meets his father, and persuades him to allow him to leave the bank to study for the Bar. ### [And Mike's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxix-and-mike-s) Arranges for Mike to accompany him to Cambridge as secretary; announces he is leaving the bank. ### [XXX: The Last Sad Farewells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxx-the-last-sad-farewells) Leads the resignation scene with theatrical flair, ordering brandy for Bickersdyke and delivering a mock-sympathetic speech. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters/psmith - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/characters