# Hugh Wentworth — Short Fiction character guide

> Hugh Wentworth in Short Fiction by Nella Larsen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hugh, Wentworth, the Hugh Wentworth

**First appearance:** 0007-i

## Snapshot

A white novelist and friend of the Redfields, wry and observant, who watches Harlem's social theater with a knowing, slightly detached eye.

## Who they are

Hugh Wentworth moves easily among Irene's circle, smoking and teasing, alert to the racial dynamics everyone else pretends not to notice. His friendship with Irene rests on a shared sincerity, yet his questions about Clare Kendry hint at how much he perceives. He serves as a mirror, showing how the story's secrets look from outside the color line.

## Relationships

### [Irene Redfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/irene_redfield)

_friendship_

Hugh is a white writer and friend of Irene's, offering a sympathetic ear and a bridge between Black and white social worlds.

### [Clare Kendry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/clare_kendry)

_social_

Clare and Hugh are acquaintances who share a flirtatious, intellectual rapport at social gatherings, with Hugh intrigued by Clare's boldness.

### [Brian Redfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/brian_redfield)

_friendship_

Brian and Hugh share a cordial, intellectual friendship, with Hugh respecting Brian's medical profession and Brian appreciating Hugh's open-mindedness.

### [Irene Redfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/irene_redfield)

_friendship_

Hugh is a white writer and friend of Irene's, offering a sympathetic ear and a bridge between Black and white social worlds.

### [Irene Redfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/irene_redfield)

_friendship_

Hugh is a white writer and friend of Irene's, offering a sympathetic ear and a bridge between Black and white social worlds.

### [Brian Redfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/brian_redfield)

_friendship_

Brian and Hugh share a cordial, intellectual friendship, with Hugh respecting Brian's medical profession and Brian appreciating Hugh's open-mindedness.

### [Clare Kendry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/clare_kendry)

_social_

Clare and Hugh are acquaintances who share a flirtatious, intellectual rapport at social gatherings, with Hugh intrigued by Clare's boldness.

### [Clare Kendry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/clare_kendry)

_social_

Clare and Hugh are acquaintances who share a flirtatious, intellectual rapport at social gatherings, with Hugh intrigued by Clare's boldness.

## In the story

### [Part II: Re-Encounter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/part-ii-re-encounter)

Hugh calls Irene about the dance and later sits with her, discussing the crowd.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/ii)

Irene speaks with Hugh on the phone about the N.W.L. dance; he is a white writer and friend who plans to attend, and Irene describes him as generous and worldly.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/iii)

Hugh engages Irene in a conversation about racial perception, passing, and the allure of Black dancers.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/i)

Hugh is a guest at the party; Irene uses him to cover up her emotional outburst when she breaks a cup.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/chapters/i)

Not present in this chapter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/hugh_wentworth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters