Unknown Narrator

Stella Musgrave

Stella is the narrator's primary romantic interest, with intense emotional and possibly obsessive attachment.

Peter Blagden

Peter is a close male friend and confidant of the narrator, often involved in social and romantic intrigues.

Elena Barry-Smith

Elena is a sophisticated woman with whom the narrator shares flirtation and romantic tension.

Jasper Hardress

Jasper is a rival for Stella's affections and a source of social competition for the narrator.

Dick Townsend

Dick is a jovial companion and fellow socialite who shares adventures with the narrator.

Milo

Milo is a loyal friend and possibly a servant or companion who assists the narrator.

Margaret Hugonin

Margaret is a young woman with whom the narrator shares a flirtatious and possibly romantic dynamic.

Avis Beechinor

Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic pursuit and tension.

Jaques

Jaques is a friend or associate who participates in the narrator's social circle.

Mrs. Barry-Smith

Mrs. Barry-Smith is an older social acquaintance, possibly a chaperone or family friend.

Gladys

Gladys is a female friend or acquaintance who interacts socially with the narrator.

George Bulmer

George is a rival for romantic attention or social standing, creating tension with the narrator.

An Introduction

The narrator of the introduction, Wilson Follett, who speaks in first person as a charter member of Cabell's audience.

Epigraph

The narrator is the dreamer, reflecting on his own childhood and the winds that shaped him.

The Prologue

The narrator reflects on past experiences and the nature of love.

Reading

The narrator reads Charteris's book and reflects on the fable.

III: Arithmetic

The narrator muses on the disconnected, impulsive moments that define life, valuing their memory and thrill despite any later disillusionment.

The Cords of Vanity

The narrator reflects on vanity and self-deception, serving as the central consciousness of the chapter.

I: He Sits Out a Dance

The narrator, a young boy of nearly fifteen, reflects on his first encounter with Stella and his own youthful awkwardness and romantic idealism.

I

The narrator, nine days younger than Stella, recalls his own youthful vanity and changing views on girls.

II

The narrator recalls his youthful experiences at the Green Chalybeate, dancing with Stella and observing social dynamics.

III

The narrator observes the night scene and reflects on the beauty and strangeness of the setting.

IV

Reflects on mortality and the universe, shares a kiss with Stella.

V

Approaches Stella with a fatuous smile, engages in a quarrel, and departs after a rock is thrown at him.

II: He Loves Extensively

Reflects on his childhood, his father's death, his years at King's College, and his many romantic infatuations.

I

Reflects on his childhood, his mother's behavior, and his father's death.

II

The narrator recalls his student days in Fairhaven and his evolving feelings about friendship and love.

III

Provides a detailed, ironic description of Bettie Hamlyn and reflects on their shared years.

IV

Reflects on his youthful loves and recites a poem to Bettie Hamlyn.

V

Reads his manuscript to Bettie, defends his emotions, and shows renewed interest in Stella Musgrave.

III: He Earns a Stickpin

The narrator follows Stella, competes with Peter, and serves as best man at their wedding.

I

Reunites with Stella after six years and attempts to renew their acquaintance with romantic overtures.

II

The narrator observes Stella's behavior and attends the Baccalaureate Address with Bettie.

III

The narrator says goodbye to Bettie and promises to always be honest with her.

IV

The narrator follows Stella Musgrave, pleads his case for marriage, and contrasts his romantic pursuits with public war discussions.

V

The narrator reflects on his rivalry with Peter Blagden for Stella's affection, admitting his own immaturity and futile attempts to seem depraved.

VI

The narrator writes reluctantly to Bettie Hamlyn and gives his time to Stella.

VII

The narrator reflects on Stella's eyes and her effect on suitors, speaking from personal observation.

VIII

The narrator asks Stella to marry him for the seventh time, then serves as best man at her wedding to Peter Blagden.

IX

The narrator recalls a wedding from when he was twenty-one, reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame.

IV: He Talks with Charteris

The narrator, still nursing his heartbreak over Stella, talks with Charteris on the terrace and argues that the world is indifferent to love.

I

The narrator is seated on the terrace after the wedding, lost in thought and repeating a verse, feeling a sense of hunger in his heart.

III

The narrator defends the significance of his love and refuses to forget, asserting he would pay any price for the happiness he has known.

IV

The narrator reflects on a statement and his emotional state, distancing himself from thoughts of Stella.

He Revisits Fairhaven and the Play

Returns to Fairhaven, feels older and blighted, enjoys being petted by the Charteris party, and is infatuated with the actress playing Juliet.

I

Returns to Willoughby Hall, feeling older and blighted by experience.

II

Reflects on Bettie's absence and the emptiness of Fairhaven; avoids the Hamlyn house.

III

The narrator revels in being cosseted and adopts a heightened boyish persona to please the company.

IV

The narrator attends the opera with Charteris, initially protesting but becoming enthralled by Miss Montmorenci's performance.

V

The narrator observes the actress and criticizes Charteris's flippancy, revealing his own infatuation and skepticism.

VI

The first-person narrator who listens to Mrs. Rabbet's monologue and offers a brief comment about Shakespeare.

VII

The narrator walks with Charteris, spots something over a hedge, and fabricates an excuse to return alone.

I

The narrator walks alone, reflecting on solitude and his changing desires, then loses his hat to a sudden breeze.

II

The narrator is flustered and awkward after losing his hat in a hedge, then becomes captivated by the mysterious woman.

III

The narrator delivers an impassioned internal monologue about Miss Montmorenci's beauty and refinement.

VII: He Goes Mad in a Garden

The young narrator, deeply infatuated with the actress, proposes marriage and idealizes her as a pure, unsullied woman.

I

The narrator, a young man, arrives eagerly in the garden, openly expressing his delight.

II

Sits beside the actress and engages in playful banter about her stage-name.

III

The narrator reflects on his preference for the actress's unassuming nature over the clever women of Charteris's party, and shares a playful moment over candy.

IV

Describes his own emotional and physical reactions to the moonlight and his idealized view of the woman.

V

Writes a letter to Bettie Hamlyn, reflecting on his feelings and recent events.

VI

The narrator, referred to as Bobbie, passionately proposes marriage and dismisses concerns about social class.

VII

The narrator passionately argues for their love, mocking societal norms and Mrs. Grundy, while expressing deep devotion.

He Duels with a Stupid Woman

Pleads with the woman to leave her husband, expresses love and desperation, and ultimately accepts her decision.

I

The narrator approaches the garden with an elated heart, confident about the leading lady's departure.

II

The narrator, referred to as Bobbie, confesses his love and tries to persuade the woman to leave her husband.

III

Opens the gate for Lethbury and stands aside to let him pass.

He Puts His Tongue in His Cheek

Defends his commercial approach to writing, reflects on his mother's death with detachment, and discusses his novel 'The Apostates'.

I

The narrator is heartbroken over Amelia Van Orden and confides in Charteris; his mother approves of the European tour.

II

The narrator recounts his European sojourn and his struggle with the social circle he entered.

III

The narrator reflects on writing his novel 'The Apostates' and engages in a philosophical debate with Charteris about art and commerce.

IV

Reflects on the publication and reception of his novel 'The Apostates', expressing disillusionment with its success and the praise from readers.

V

Reflects on his lack of emotion over his mother's death and his financial disappointment.

VI

The narrator chooses to stay in England over winter, writes a poem about a woman, and dismisses Charteris's warnings.

VII

Arrives at the Hardress estate and exchanges playful remarks with Mrs. Hardress.

X: He Samples New Emotions

The narrator, Robert Townsend, reflects on his affair with Gillian Hardress and his desire for new emotions.

I

The narrator, referred to as Mr. Townsend, tells a story to Gladys and is nicknamed 'Jack' by Mrs. Hardress.

II

The narrator recounts his discomfort with Gillian's love and its impact on his writing.

III

The narrator engages in a contentious dialogue with Gillian Hardress, expressing self-loathing and a desire for a new emotion.

IV

The narrator reflects on his own behavior and the quirks of women, hinting at a past indiscretion with alcohol.

V

The narrator writes a postcard to Bettie Hamlyn after midnight, reflecting on the importance of regular correspondence.

VI

Feels bored and bewildered by Gillian's attentions, reflects on the implausibility of the affair, and maintains a childish facade with Jasper Hardress.

VII

Visits the Hardresses, plays with Gladys, and reflects on his relationship with Gillian Hardress.

VIII

The narrator, referred to as Jack, announces his departure to Gillian and remains firm despite her pleas, later reflecting on the scene's theatrical value.

XI: He Postures Among Chimney-Pots

The narrator travels with Charteris, writes poetry, and escapes a hotel fire in Liège, where he meets Elena and discusses his idealized vision of Helen of Troy.

I

The narrator meets the Charterises in Genoa, discusses his dissipated appearance and the Hardress incident, and expresses a desire to visit Milan Cathedral.

II

The narrator is alone in his hotel room in Liège, writing poetry, when a fire forces him to evacuate. He meets a tall woman and they escape to the roof.

III

The narrator leads the escape attempt on the roof, showing resourcefulness and concern for the woman.

IV

The narrator takes the lead in the dangerous rooftop crossing, showing concern for the woman's safety.

V

The narrator, a poet and writer, rescues a woman from a burning hotel and engages in a philosophical and romantic discussion about Helen of Troy and ideal beauty.

XII: He Faces Himself and Remembers

Confronts his past with Nadine Neroni, decides to return to America, and re-encounters Stella in Lichfield.

I

Arrives at the hotel lobby in a green dressing-gown, inquires for Charteris, then takes a drink and sleeps on a sofa.

II

The narrator awakens and encounters Nadine Neroni, reflecting on his past and the consequences of his actions.

III

The narrator reflects on the conversation with the Neroni, acknowledging the futility of their talk and his own Lichfeldian moralizing.

IV

Sits alone in his new bedroom, tormented by Lichfieldian traditions and his feelings for Elena.

V

Announces his departure from Charteris and his intention to return to America, rejecting Charteris's cynicism.

VI

The narrator, consumed by repentance and fear of death, longs for a normal life and is tempted to see Stella.

VII

The narrator sees Stella and decides to visit the Blagdens.

He Baits Upon the Journey

The narrator visits Stella, teases her about her marriage and ambitions, and reflects on her vanity and discontent.

I

Visits Stella on her wedding anniversary, confesses he is in love, and engages in banter about his feelings.

II

Observes Stella's gown and demeanor, reflecting on her anachronistic charm.

III

Visits Stella, disapproves of her ambitions, teases her about Peter's weight, and leaves after a tense conversation.

XIV: He Participates in a Brave Jest

The narrator is called to Stella's bedside after the accident, lies to her about Peter's success, and shares a final intimate goodbye.

I

The narrator observes Stella from Regis Avenue, feeling resentful she did not offer a lift.

III

The narrator is sent for by Stella's sister, finds Peter Blagden in a drunken collapse, and decides not to bring him to Stella.

IV

The narrator forges telegrams and lies to Stella about Peter's success, feeling sickened by the deception but determined to give her peace.

V

The narrator says goodbye to Stella, kisses her, and reflects on their past.

He Decides to Amuse Himself

Grieves Stella's death, works on proofs and hack writing, engages in affair with Celia, plans marriage to Rosalind and a new book.

I

The narrator reflects on Stella's funeral and his own emotional turmoil.

II

The narrator visits Bettie, proposes marriage, and expresses grief over Stella's death.

IV

Reflects on a past vulgar affair.

V

Decides to write a new book and marry Rosalind Jemmett; plans to return to the Green Chalybeate for inspiration.

VI

The narrator reflects on his inability to treat Lichfield and Fairhaven humorously due to his deep familiarity with them.

I

The narrator, referred to as Robert, discusses his literary ambitions and his disdain for current literary trends with his uncle.

III

The narrator whistles and returns to the hotel to inquire about the season's closing date.

He Provides Copy

The narrator builds his novel by observing Marian, parts from her with a lie, and later discovers she has published a similar book.

I

The narrator recalls the summer at the Green Chalybeate with Marian Winwood.

II

The narrator struggles with guilt over exploiting a girl's feelings for his literary work, prioritizing the Book over chivalry.

III

The narrator is actively writing a novel, recording observations from his time with Marian, and reflecting on his past literary shortcomings.

IV

Ends his relationship with Marian, playing the role of a tortured artist while hiding his true motives.

V

Returns to Lichfield and writes his novel, reveling in the creative process.

VI

The narrator emerges from six months of literary seclusion, dandling his 'child of the brain' and then re-engaging with the outside world through the morning paper.

VII

The narrator, a young writer, shares his manuscript with his uncle and later burns it upon learning of a similar published work.

VIII

The narrator reads Marian Winwood's play and reacts with irritation then amusement.

IX

The narrator writes a story based on his affair with Marian and receives her furious letter.

He Spends an Afternoon in Arden

The narrator tells Rosalind the story of his past love affair, revealing his romantic folly and subsequent disillusionment. He is self-aware of his foolishness yet still emotionally invested.

I

The narrator, who had intended to marry Rosalind but delayed due to his writing.

II

The narrator, frustrated by Stella's lack of expectation for an explanation, loses his temper and engages in a deceptive conversation, then follows her to the Moncrieffs.

III

The narrator, who adopts the persona of Jaques in the Forest of Arden, recounts a personal story of unrequited love and reflects on his own folly and emotional pain.

IV

The narrator is the recipient of Rosalind's defense and vows to prove her right.

He Plays the Improvident Fool

The narrator is engaged to Rosalind but feels trapped by her love and the reminders of his past. He breaks off the engagement after a conversation with Lizzie.

I

The narrator is engaged to Rosalind and feels conflicted about her love and her nickname 'Jaques,' which recalls Gillian Hardress.

II

The narrator is preparing for his wedding to Rosalind and finds solace in Lizzie's resemblance to Stella.

III

Confesses to Lizzie that his love for her was a projection of his love for Stella; recounts detailed dreams of Stella.

IV

Defends his plan to marry Rosalind with cynical arguments about gender relations and deception.

V

Meditates on Lizzie's words and his own feelings for Rosalind, facing the 'real issue' squarely.

VI

The narrator, referred to as Jaques, engages in a philosophical and emotional discussion with Rosalind about love, marriage, and their incompatibility.

VII

Reflects on the broken engagement and his mother's advice.

XX: He Dines Out, Impeded by Superstitions

The narrator dines with Elena and reflects on his love and past engagement.

I

The narrator, who is deeply infatuated with Elena and reflects on their past meeting in Liège.

II

The narrator is consumed by self-reproach upon learning of Elena's marriage, questioning his own life choices and unmarried state.

III

The narrator confesses his love to Elena and proposes marriage, reflecting on his earlier humiliation by Rosalind.

He Is Urged to Desert His Galley

The narrator reflects on his relationship with Elena, his temper, and his inability to apologize after their fight.

I

The narrator recounts his first encounter with Elena and his subsequent emotional turmoil.

III

The narrator shares personal reflections and memories of Elena Barry-Smith.

IV

Recalls a private, whispered encounter with Elena after the Allardyce dance, feeling unusually in love and puzzled by the incident.

V

The narrator is deeply infatuated with Elena and writes to Bettie in excitement, only to face Elena's change of heart.

VI

Proposes to Elena and argues for marriage, but is ultimately rejected.

VII

The narrator reveals his snobbishness and temper, proposing to Elena in a condescending manner and provoking her fury.

VIII

Returns home physically sick with rage, unable to seek forgiveness despite knowing Elena would forgive him.

He Cleans the Slate

The narrator meets the Hardresses in New York, confesses his affair to Jasper, breaks off with Gillian, and sends Elena a plagiarized sonnet-sequence.

I

The narrator meets Jasper Hardress at the pier, is in New York to publish a book and escape memories of Elena.

II

The narrator reflects on provincialism and inner conflict, envying Hardress's moral height.

III

Ends his affair with Gillian Hardress, justifying his actions with a cynical philosophy of selfishness.

IV

Returns to Lichfield and learns of Elena's marriage; puts on a cheerful facade while feeling miserable; sends plagiarized verses to Elena.

V

Receives and puzzles over an unsigned photograph of an infant.

He Reviles Destiny and Climbs a Wall

The narrator is restless in spring, visits Peter Blagden, tends a garden, and later climbs a wall where he meets a young woman he assumes is the heiress.

I

The narrator expresses springtime restlessness and a desire to escape thoughts of Elena Risby.

II

The narrator, a witty and self-aware fortune-hunter, discusses his plans to marry an heiress and his disdain for cut flowers.

III

Scales the wall and engages in playful internal monologue before addressing the young woman.

I

The narrator, aged twenty-five, observes a young woman with intense admiration and a sense of wonder.

III

The narrator is deeply infatuated with Avis/Margaret, debating his feelings and intentions.

I

The narrator engages in witty repartee with Peter, reflects on his past love for Stella, and reveals his inner turmoil on the anniversary of her death.

II

The narrator, Robert Etheridge Townsend, sits on a wall-top, debating with himself about the handkerchief and his feelings for Margaret.

III

Returns Stella's book and engages in flirtatious banter.

IV

Sits on the same wall at the same spot, engages in witty repartee with Margaret, and is described as 'picturesque ruins' despite being under twenty-six.

VI

Proposes to Avis and presses for a June wedding, but accepts her request to think until tomorrow about November.

I

The narrator is one of the two meeting in the spring morning.

III

Reassures Avis and expresses his dislike for the name Margaret.

He Calls, and Counsels, and Considers

The narrator meditates on love and marriage, takes a walk through Fairhaven, and interacts with Bettie.

I

The narrator is engaged to Avis Beechinor and recounts his happiness and the encounter with Margaret Hugonin.

II

The narrator recalls his near-marriage to Margaret Hugonin and a later private talk with her after her marriage to Billy Woods.

III

Advises Peter to travel; reflects on being in love with Avis and the prospect of marriage.

IV

The narrator is torn between his past feelings for Elena and his current engagement to Avis, and procrastinates visiting Bettie.

VI

Returns to Fairhaven and deliberately mimics his former self to gain Bettie's toleration, finding the performance nearly involuntary.

VII

The narrator is revising his book, incorporating Bettie's ideas, and engaging in a playful argument with her about the changes.

IX

The narrator meditates on love, marriage, and his own futility, considering Avis and Bettie as potential partners.

X

The narrator walks through Fairhaven, engaging with townspeople and fulfilling a tedious obligation to draw for a crippled child.

XI

The narrator reflects on his own difference from others and his contentment in Fairhaven's pace.

He Participates in Sundry Confidences

Receives and reacts to Avis's breakup letter, proposes to Bettie, and reconnects with Charteris.

I

The narrator is writing to Avis and receives a letter from her that disrupts their engagement.

III

The narrator encounters Bettie and Clarriker in the garden, engaging in conversation about poetry and commerce.

IV

Proposes to Bettie, confesses his vices and lack of love for her, reveals his past with Stella Blagden.

V

The narrator meets John Charteris on Cambridge Street and is initially defensive about Charteris's teasing, but is won over by his sincere praise.

VI

The narrator enjoys talking with Charteris and listens to his tales and opinions.

VII

The narrator is engaged to Bettie and reflects on Charteris's influence.

He Allows the Merits of Imperfection

Visits Stella's grave, reflects on her memory and the idealized version others have created, then visits Charteris.

I

The narrator is content with his future and plans a holiday to mark the funeral of his youth.

II

The narrator visits Stella's grave with daffodils, reflects on his memories of her, and laments that everyone else has forgotten the real Stella.

III

Visits Charteris at Willoughby Hall, engages in philosophical debate, and reflects on his love for Charteris.

He Gilds the Weathervane

The narrator is working on proof-sheets when Jasper Hardress confronts him. He misdirects Hardress to protect Charteris and himself.

I

The narrator is busy with proof-sheets and dismisses Charteris's philosophical musings.

II

The narrator is at work, content with life and his book, and reflects on the peaceful monotony of Fairhaven.

III

Narrator is present, initially mistaken for Charteris by Hardress, and tries to deflect suspicion.

IV

The narrator reflects on his work and past, engages in playful conversation with Bettie, and contemplates the shooting and Charteris's fate.

The Epilogue

The narrator waits alone, wrestling with the decision to confess to Bettie about the events involving John, the Hardress woman, and Jasper.