# Sir Patrick Cullen — The Doctor’s Dilemma character guide

> Sir Patrick Cullen in The Doctor’s Dilemma by George Bernard Shaw.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Old Sir Patrick Cullen, old Paddy Cullen, Sir Patrick, Sir Patrick Gammon, Patrick, Paddy, Sir Patrick Grunts, Sir Patrick Tuberculosis, Sir Patrick Jane, Sir Patrick Blarney, Sir Patrick Bernard Shaw, Redpenny Old Paddy Cullen

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i

## Snapshot

An old, gruff physician who has seen every medical fad come and go, he punctures his younger colleagues' pretensions with cynical wit and hard-won experience.

## Who they are

Sir Patrick Cullen is the senior doctor in the play, a veteran of decades of practice who regards his colleagues' theories with amused contempt. He insists that only two things are ever wrong with a man: a cheque or a woman, and that until you know a man is sound on both, you know nothing about him. His dry skepticism provides the moral counterweight to Ridgeon's scientific ambition and the younger doctors' self-congratulation.

## Relationships

### [Louis Dubedat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/louis_dubedat)

_rivalry_

Sir Patrick views Louis with deep suspicion and moral disapproval, acting as an antagonist who sees through Louis's charm and condemns his dishonesty.

### [Sir Colenso Ridgeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/sir_colenso_ridgeon)

_professional_

They are senior medical colleagues with a respectful but often contentious relationship, as Sir Patrick challenges Ridgeon's ethical decisions.

### [Cutler Walpole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/cutler_walpole)

_professional_

They are fellow doctors who share a pragmatic, often cynical view of medical ethics and of Louis Dubedat.

### [Emmy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/emmy)

_social_

Emmy and Sir Patrick share a familiar, friendly rapport as long-time acquaintances in Ridgeon's household.

### [Jennifer Dubedat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/jennifer_dubedat)

_social_

Jennifer and Sir Patrick have a strained, polite relationship as he disapproves of her husband and her blind devotion.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters/sir_patrick_cullen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_doctor_s_dilemma_se/characters