# Jack Hollycombe — Short Fiction character guide

> Jack Hollycombe in Short Fiction by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Jack, Mr. Peppercorn, Peppercorn, IV Jack Hollycombe Mr. Peppercorn, One Mr. Peppercorn

**First appearance:** 0109-iv-jack-hollycombe

## Snapshot

A restless young suitor in Plumplington who chafes at small-town duty while courting Polly Peppercorn and dodging his own self-applause.

## Who they are

Jack Hollycombe is a young man caught between the modest prospects of Plumplington and his own impatient ambition, repeatedly asking what good any man can do in such a place. His courtship of Polly Peppercorn gives the romance plot its forward motion, but his vanity and restlessness keep him from being simply a romantic hero. He matters because his choices test whether affection can survive the pull of self-interest and the pressure of local opinion.

## Relationships

### [Polly Peppercorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/polly_peppercorn)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

### [Polly Peppercorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/polly_peppercorn)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

### [Polly Peppercorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/polly_peppercorn)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

## In the story

### [The Panjandrum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/the-panjandrum)

Referred to as Jack Hallam in the text; he borrows ninepence and eats muffins with notable enthusiasm.

### [Part II: Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/part-ii-despair)

Has not written his contribution; fires paper pellets during readings; supports the narrator in the vote.

### [I: The Two Girls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/i-the-two-girls)

A stalwart young malt dealer from Barchester, earning forty shillings a week, who loves Polly Peppercorn and has been rebuffed by her father.

### [II: “Down I Shall Go”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/ii-down-i-shall-go)

Jack is Polly's intended husband, described as 'all sugar and promises.' Polly plans to test his constancy and has told him she will not marry him without her father's consent, though she hopes to win her father over.

### [III: Mr. Greenmantle Is Much Perplexed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/iii-mr-greenmantle-is-much-perplexed)

Mentioned as the suitor of Polly Peppercorn, whose situation parallels Emily's; Dr. Freeborn defends him as a good and steady young man.

### [III: Mr. Greenmantle Is Much Perplexed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/iii-mr-greenmantle-is-much-perplexed)

Visits Mr. Greenmantle to complain about his daughter Polly's intention to marry John Hollycombe and tries to form an alliance against their daughters' choices, but is rebuffed.

### [Jack Hollycombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/iv-jack-hollycombe)

Proposes to Polly Peppercorn, defies her father's objections about his lack of education and money, and vows to wait for her.

### [V: Dr. Freeborn and Philip Hughes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/v-dr-freeborn-and-philip-hughes)

Mentioned as 'Mr. Peppercorn' who interfered by speaking to Mr. Greenmantle about Emily's marriage.

### [The Young Ladies Are to Remain at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/vii-the-young-ladies-are-to-remain-at-home)

Receives Mr. Peppercorn's reluctant permission to marry Polly, though warned about poverty.

### [Christmas-Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/viii-christmas-day)

Silent during dinner but present as Polly's betrothed, accepted by the group.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/jack_hollycombe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters