# George Tompkins — Short Fiction character guide

> George Tompkins in Short Fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Tompkins, George Tompkins's

**First appearance:** 0168-i

## Snapshot

A wealthy young man who courts Gretchen while her husband Roger buries himself in work, his expensive frame on the bedroom wall a quiet reproach.

## Who they are

George Tompkins enters the marriage of Roger and Gretchen as a well-heeled alternative, taking her riding, skiing, and to the theatre while Roger chases a quarter-million dollars in advertising accounts. His photograph appears on the bedroom wall, a small domestic intrusion that grows louder as Roger's exhaustion deepens. He matters to the story's early arc because he embodies the temptation Gretchen cannot quite name, and the cost of Roger's single-minded ambition.

## In the story

### [The Four Fists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/the-four-fists)

Third fist: hits Samuel after he insults a fellow student's family background.

### [Gretchen's Forty Winks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/gretchen-s-forty-winks)

A friend who takes Gretchen horseback riding and to the theatre, causing Roger's jealousy.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/i)

A successful interior decorator and old acquaintance of Roger, who advocates for a balanced life and criticizes Roger's work habits.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/ii)

A friend of the family who spends increasing time with Gretchen, provoking Roger's jealousy and anger.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as having a nervous breakdown from his obsession with a 'balanced life'; his autographed picture hangs in the bedroom.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/characters/george_tompkins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_16_se/characters