Robert Etheridge Townsend

An Introduction

The hero of the novel, whose character has been deepened in this edition to correlate his personal weakness with his artistic strength.

I: Writing

The narrator as a child, writing his first letter to God after his father's death.

III

Bettie fears the narrator will become another Townsend.

II

The listener to Charteris's fable, identified as having a recent disastrous love affair, and offered a penny for the story.

III

The narrator is addressed as Mr. Townsend by Charteris, and he reflects on his own youth and romantic ideals.

He Chats Over a Hedge

The narrator, who loses his hat and initiates a conversation with Miss Montmorenci, revealing his admiration and arranging a future meeting.

I

Mr. Townsend is described as rapt in admiration of the night; his new straw hat is blown over the hedge.

IV

Introduces himself properly to Miss Montmorenci, proposes a daytime outing, and promises not to attend her performances.

I

Referred to as Mr. Townsend by Mrs. Hardress, he is the narrator who tells the story and is nicknamed 'Jack.'

IV

The narrator tries to view the situation through the sophisticated eyes of Townsend, author of The Apostates.

He Seeks for Copy

The narrator and protagonist, a novelist seeking fresh inspiration for his new book 'As the Coming of Dawn.' He engages in a witty debate with his uncle about literary trends and later meets Marian Winwood, whom he sees as a potential subject for his idyllic story.

II

The narrator and protagonist, a novelist who orchestrates a second meeting with Marian Winwood by feigning the loss of his watch.

III

Referred to by Gillian as the narrator's true identity, linking him to a desire for an advantageous marriage.

I

Mentioned as unaffected by world events; the narrator identifies himself as Robert Etheridge Townsend.

XXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and Reason

The narrator and protagonist, who is smitten with the woman he meets and later identifies as Margaret Hugonin.

II

The narrator and protagonist, who introduces himself as a gentleman, author, and idler, and engages in playful repartee with Avis Beechinor.

III

Mentioned as the narrator's own name, reflecting on his reputation.

XXV: He Advances in the Attack on Selwoode

Narrator and protagonist; deeply in love with Margaret Hugonin, reflecting on his transformation from cynic to romantic.

II

The narrator addresses himself by his full name, Robert Etheridge Townsend, in his internal monologue.

V

Townsend pushes for intimacy by using Avis's first name and teasingly suggests they will be more than friends.

VII

The narrator, now thoroughly in love, reflects on his changed feelings and his awareness of Margaret's identity.

He Assists in the Diversion of Birds

Confesses his true identity to Avis, revealing he is not Peter Blagden but the notorious Robert Townsend. Proposes marriage despite their poverty.

II

Proposes to Avis, confesses his love and past as a fortune-hunter, and decides to marry her despite poverty.

He Calls, and Counsels, and Considers

The narrator reflects on his own identity and desire to leave a lasting legacy.

II

The narrator, who receives and reacts to Avis's letter.

I

Robert Townsend is the narrator's full name, mentioned as the one from whom Bettie will wring the best.