The Coming of Bill · Character
Mr. Penway
A highball-mixing, cigar-borrowing fixture of Kirk Winfield's studio, Mr. Penway is the kind of friend who never leaves and never helps.
supporting
Also known as Penway
First appearance: xi stung to action
As a supporting figure in The Coming of Bill, Mr. Penway is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Present at the studio, briefly interacts with Mamie and Kirk before being asked to leave.
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Mr. Penway drifts through Kirk's Bohemian household with the ease of a man who has no other address, cadging drinks, dodging responsibilities, and offering commentary no one requested. He is a parasite of the…
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The fuller portrait of Mr. Penway sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mr. Penway in xi stung to actionCharacter Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Penway sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Extended Family & Acquaintances
- Social Circle & Obstacles
- Protagonist
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Kirk learns that Ruth’s father has died and…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Kirk Winfield
professional · positive
- Kirk Winfield
professional · positive
- Kirk Winfield
professional · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mr. Penway in xi stung to actionIn the story
Mr. Penway appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Penway unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Penway in xi stung to action