# Bat Jarvis — Psmith, Journalist character guide

> Bat Jarvis in Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0005-iv-bat-jarvis

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Billy Windsor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/billy_windsor)

_friendship_

Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.

### [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/psmith)

_friendship_

Psmith cleverly befriends Bat Jarvis, turning him from potential enemy to ally.

### [Billy Windsor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/billy_windsor)

_friendship_

Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.

### [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/psmith)

_friendship_

Psmith cleverly befriends Bat Jarvis, turning him from potential enemy to ally.

### [Billy Windsor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/billy_windsor)

_friendship_

Bat Jarvis, a gang leader, becomes an ally to Billy after being won over by Psmith.

## In the story

### [Psmith, Journalist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/psmith-journalist)

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

### [Billy Windsor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxiv-a-gathering-of-cat-specialists)

The cat specialist and influential figure, courted by Psmith for protection.

### [Trapped](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxv-trapped)

Brings Long Otto to guard Psmith; threatens the Three Pointers and warns Spider Reilly; discusses fits in kittens.

### [Psmith Concludes His Ride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxix-the-knockout-for-mr-waring)

Present during the revelation; tickles a cat and whistles, later invited to visit his zoo.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/conclusion)

Mentioned affectionately; Psmith suggests Mike write to him about his Angoras.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters/bat_jarvis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/characters