# Mr. Saunders — Soldiers’ Pay character guide

> Mr. Saunders in Soldiers’ Pay by William Faulkner.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** V Mr. Saunders

**First appearance:** 0007-v

## Snapshot

Cecily's father, whose cigar smoke drifts down the hall ahead of him and whose portrait as a young man hangs above the mantel like a judgment.

## Who they are

Mr. Saunders belongs to the older generation that retreats to the veranda when the war talk grows too large, leaving the young to their uneasy rooms. His presence lingers in the house even when he is offstage — in the scent of his cigar, in the framed grandfather watching Cecily from above the fireplace as she fends off Jones. He embodies the respectable Southern order against which his daughter's stalled engagement and the returning soldiers' damage are quietly measured.

## In the story

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

Surprised by Donald's return; debates with his wife about Cecily's engagement.

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

Robert's father, who asks about the soldier and exchanges a look with Mrs. Saunders.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/iv)

Struggles with his resolve to discuss the engagement; is persuaded by Margaret to let Cecily visit Donald.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/v)

Casts an uneasy look at the sky and is confronted by his son's questions about Donald's scar; he responds with a sudden, emotional embrace.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/ix)

Mr. Saunders confronts Cecily about her engagement, pressuring her to continue seeing Donald Mahon despite his injury. He uses his authority to threaten her relationship with George Farr.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/xi)

Attempts to comfort Cecily and learn what happened, but she resists.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/xii)

Visits Cecily's room to persuade her to see Donald, grows angry at her obstinacy, and forbids her from seeing George Farr.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/v)

Angry and concerned about social appearances, he pressures Cecily to reconsider.

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

Present at lunch but soon withdraws, showing little interest in Jones.

### [Eleven O’Clock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/eleven-o-clock)

Steps onto the veranda in the night, unknowingly standing over the hidden men, then returns inside.

### [Spring Negotiations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/iv)

Visits the rector to discuss the marriage; reluctantly reveals Mrs. Saunders' doubts.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/viii)

Calls Cecily downstairs to meet Dr. Mahon, avoids her gaze during the confrontation.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned as 'Uncle Joe'; the rector reports that Cecily's parents object to the marriage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/characters/mr_saunders
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/characters