Short Fiction · Character
Fitzhugh Parr
A newly exiled Terrestrial on an asteroid where the latest arrival rules, and where every man slowly devolves backward down the evolutionary ladder.
supporting
Also known as Parr
First appearance: the invading asteroid
As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Fitzhugh Parr is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Narrator; accompanies Pursuivant in investigating the props and the 'Bible'.
Parr is booted onto the asteroid ten minutes before a mob of hairy, snarling exiles makes him their chief simply because he is newest and therefore healthiest. Sadau, a convicted thief, explains the catch: living creatures degenerate here, men becoming apes, apes becoming lower things still, a Martian alternative to execution that makes death trivial by comparison. Parr accepts command only after demanding information, and his refusal to be flattered into the role sets up the story's grim arithmetic, that his authority will last exactly until the next arrival.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Fitzhugh Parr sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Social
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Allies and Aliens
+11 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the protagonist’s psychological and emotional peak of self-discov…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Helen
romantic · positive
Fitzhugh Parr and Helen have a romantic relationship filled with tenderness and… How this plays out →
- Varina Pemberton
social · ambivalent
- Sadau
friendship · positive
- Sadau
friendship · positive
- Helen
romantic · positive
Fitzhugh Parr and Helen have a romantic relationship filled with tenderness and… How this plays out →
- Varina Pemberton
social · ambivalent
- Varina Pemberton
social · ambivalent
- Sadau
friendship · positive
- Helen
romantic · positive
Fitzhugh Parr and Helen have a romantic relationship filled with tenderness and… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Fitzhugh Parr in the invading asteroidIn the story
Fitzhugh Parr appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Fitzhugh Parr unlock in the free preview.
See Fitzhugh Parr in the invading asteroid