# Ann Selby — Short Fiction character guide

> Ann Selby in Short Fiction by P. G. Wodehouse.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ann

**First appearance:** 0000-when-papa-swore-in-hindustani

## Snapshot

The sharp-eyed, quick-tongued woman whose refusal to marry Reggie unless he proves he has brains sets the whole scheme of the story in motion.

## Who they are

Ann is the girl Reggie wants and cannot have on his present terms, a clear-sighted woman who has watched a friend's marriage to a sentimental dreamer slowly crush her and will not risk the same fate. She tells Reggie plainly that his large private means and idle life have left his brain atrophied, and that she will marry him only if he pulls off some stunt only a deuced brainy chap could manage. Her challenge and her example of Harold's wrecked home fuse in Reggie's mind into the idea that drives the plot.

## In the story

### [The Test Case](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters/the-test-case)

Strong-minded woman who doubts Reggie's potential; breaks off with him after the butler incident.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/characters/ann_selby
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_42_se/characters