Sinister Street · Character

Maurice Avery

Michael's charismatic Oxford friend, perpetually smoking and effortlessly adored, whose Godalming home embodies a facile suburban world Michael can barely tolerate a week of.

supporting

Also known as Avery

First appearance: i the first day

As a supporting figure in Sinister Street, Maurice Avery is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A friend and influence on Michael's social and intellectual development.

In the storySinister StreetOpen this moment free

See Maurice Avery in Sinister Street Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

At High Towers, Maurice is smothered in adulation by a stockbroker father who refuses to age and a mother who spoils the dogs when her men are away. Michael finds the whole Surrey idyll oppressive—light-green Lovat tweeds, tar-smeared roads, conversation that goes along too smoothly—and escapes by telegram without a ruse. Maurice represents the worldly ease Michael both envies and distrusts, the friend whose charm tests whether Michael's fastidiousness is integrity or mere pride.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Maurice Avery sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Maurice Avery in i the first day

Character Web

32 connections

A slice of how Maurice Avery sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

School and Family Circle
Slum and Servant Connections
Extended Family and Diverse Acquaintances
Oxford Contemporaries and Eccentrics
Social and Athletic Acquaintances

+27 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This passage functions as the dramatic climax because it marks the moment when the author explicitly breaks th…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Michael Fane
friendship · positive
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's… How this plays out →
Michael Fane
friendship · positive
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's… How this plays out →
Michael Fane
friendship · positive
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's… How this plays out →

Michael Fane
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's earnestness and a partner in social adventures.
Michael Fane
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's earnestness and a partner in social adventures.
Michael Fane
Maurice is Michael's witty and cynical Oxford friend, acting as a foil to Michael's earnestness and a partner in social adventures.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Maurice Avery in i the first day

In the story

Maurice Avery appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Sinister Street
A friend and influence on Michael's social and intellectual development.
VIII: Siamese Stamps
New boy who torments Michael with witty insults about his clothes, underclothing, and governess.
The First Term
Avery is a guest at Michael's terminal dinner, noted for his unconventional dress (loose-fronted shirt) and his ability to amuse others, though Michael feels uneasy about his presence.
Youth's Domination
Part of the May Morning revelers; invites Michael to a breakfast-party at Sandford Lasher, which Michael declines.
VII: Venner’s
Avery has moved into rooms on Michael's staircase and is bringing out a magazine. He discusses the venture with Venner.
VIII: The Oxford Looking-Glass
Maurice is the editor of 'The Oxford Looking-Glass', enthusiastically promoting the first issue and seeking Michael's opinion on it. He is portrayed as eager and somewhat self-absorbed.
IX: The Lesson of Spain
Accompanies Michael to Spain after his own Rome plans fall through; later becomes editor of The Oxford Looking-Glass.
202 High
Tells an inappropriate personal story in Venner's, causing awkwardness; later reconciles with Michael after being criticized.
XIII: Plashers Mead
Takes a studio in Grosvenor Road and invites Stella to visit, but she refuses.
XV: The Last Term
Bringing his mother and sisters for Commemoration.
XVI: The Last Week
Arrives with his mother and sisters, and Michael dances with his sisters at the balls.
IX: The Gate of Horn
Hosts a gathering at his studio; plays Brahms; introduces Michael to Ronnie Walker; agrees to handle the dissolution of Michael's household at Ararat House.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Maurice Avery unlock in the free preview.

See Maurice Avery in i the first day

See Maurice Avery in Sinister Street