Psmith, Journalist · Character

Bat Jarvis

The Groome Street gang leader and devoted cat fancier who, after being approached to help silence Psmith, instead becomes one of his most useful allies.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Jarvis, Comrade Jarvis, the great Bat

First appearance: Bat Jarvis

As a supporting figure in Psmith, Journalist, Bat Jarvis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Local gang leader who becomes an ally after Psmith wins his respect.

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Bat Jarvis rules a corner of the New York underworld but spends his quieter hours exchanging tips on treating fits in kittens. When Parker tries to enlist him against the Cosy Moments men, the arrangement takes an unexpected turn, and Bat turns up in Psmith's office trading information and covering the door with his revolver. His blend of menace and domestic tenderness makes him one of the book's most disarming supporting figures.

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

See Bat Jarvis in Bat Jarvis

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core reform allies
Supporting cast and opposition
Antagonistic detectives

+21 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

Psmith’s dreamy, contented reflection on the peaceful resolution of the New York conflicts—Waring’s electoral…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Billy Windsor
friendship · positive
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith. How this plays out →
Psmith
friendship · positive
Billy Windsor
friendship · positive
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith. How this plays out →
Psmith
friendship · positive
Billy Windsor
friendship · positive
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith. How this plays out →

Billy Windsor
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.
Psmith
Psmith cleverly befriends Bat Jarvis, turning him from potential enemy to ally.
Billy Windsor
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.
Psmith
Psmith cleverly befriends Bat Jarvis, turning him from potential enemy to ally.
Billy Windsor
Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.

Relationship notes

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

See Bat Jarvis in Bat Jarvis

In the story

Bat Jarvis appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Psmith, Journalist
Local gang leader who becomes an ally after Psmith wins his respect.
Billy Windsor
Bat Jarvis is mentioned as the gang leader and cousin of Pugsy Maloney. He owns multiple cats with leather collars, one of which is the rescued cat.
Bat Jarvis
The leader of the Groome Street Gang, a dealer in animals, who comes to retrieve his cat and offers his protection to Billy in return.
The Man at the Astor
Refused a contract to harm Billy and Psmith; sends a messenger to warn them and offer help.
Reviewing the Situation
Mentioned as having declined the job of attacking Psmith and Billy, leading them to wonder who will be sent next.
A Gathering of Cat Specialists
The cat specialist and influential figure, courted by Psmith for protection.
Trapped
Brings Long Otto to guard Psmith; threatens the Three Pointers and warns Spider Reilly; discusses fits in kittens.
Psmith Concludes His Ride
Takes up position in the inner office with Long Otto to protect the premises, though no attackers arrive.
XXVIII: Standing Room Only
Brings his cats to the office; serves as acting fighting editor; gets into a minor altercation with Waterman.
The Knockout for Mr. Waring
Present during the revelation; tickles a cat and whistles, later invited to visit his zoo.
Conclusion
Mentioned affectionately; Psmith suggests Mike write to him about his Angoras.

Chapter companion notes

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

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