The Good Companions · Character

Jerry Jerningham

A handsome, aloof young actor whose mysterious comings and goings — and a certain booked box — keep the company guessing what he is really up to.

supporting

Also known as Jerningham, Mr. Jerry Jerningham, Mr. Jerningham, Jerry

First appearance: i in which they all become good companions

As a supporting figure in The Good Companions, Jerry Jerningham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Objects to the new dress code because he prefers evening dress; his protests are overruled.

In the storyIn Which Colonel Trant's Daughter Goes Into Action, Sticks to Her Guns, and May Be Considered VictoriousOpen this moment free

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Jerry drifts through the troupe with a coolness that sets him apart from the eager professionals around him, arriving barely in time to make up for the opening chorus and keeping his own counsel. On the night of Susie's benefit, a solitary box at the Gatford Hippodrome has been taken by someone unknown, and Jerry, who might know something about it, is not asked. His aloofness and possible scheming make him a quiet source of unease as the company's fortunes reach their turning point.

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See Jerry Jerningham in i in which they all become good companions

Character Web

32 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Good Companions troupe
Yorkshire connections
Local patrons and authorities
Minor characters and subplots

+27 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological low point where the troupe’s coll…

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In the story

Jerry Jerningham appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

In Which Colonel Trant's Daughter Goes Into Action, Sticks to Her Guns, and May Be Considered Victorious
Objects to the new dress code because he prefers evening dress; his protests are overruled.
II
Jerry's dancing is described as astonishing, and he becomes a vivid personality on stage.
IV
Performs 'Slipping Round the Corner'; receives a bouquet from an unknown admirer; offers the roses to Elsie.
II
Receives a mysterious bouquet during the Sandybay performance.
III
Jerry dislikes playing in small towns like Winstead and complains about 'eating his hawt out in these little tawns.'
Inigo Jumps Out of a Train and Finds Himself in Love
Engages in banter with Elsie Longstaff and Susie Dean, and is teased about his appearance.
I
Plays cards and is teased by Elsie and Susie.
III
Jerry is the object of Lady Partlit's admiration; Susie mentions him as a talented and handsome dancer.
III
Disappears without notice, leaving the troupe short-handed.
IV
Arrives late, wearing khaki trousers, and angrily confronts Lady Partlit about a misunderstanding.
I
Mentioned as a performer who, along with Susie Dean, gets too much program time according to Elsie.
IV
Writes a letter to Lady Partlit, thanking her for a gift and apologizing for past behavior.
VI
Noted as still with the troupe, popular with local girls but unchanged in his vanity and limited talent.
VII
Not directly mentioned in this chapter.
III
Mentioned by Inigo as someone he would not miss if he left the show.
Susie's Birthday and the Great Chance
Absent from the party; sent a note and a present of handkerchiefs, which Mrs. Joe finds mysterious.
A Benefit Performance
Mentioned as a figure that wistful virgins are eager to see; part of the Good Companions troupe.
I
A good-looking young man who dances and sings; has concerns he keeps to himself; possibly knows about the mysterious box.
Long, and Full of Salvage Work
Admits he has wanted such an opportunity; shares a rare, beautiful smile with his wife, showing his happiness.
I
Reported missing since Saturday night after the riot.
II
Has disappeared, leaving a gap in the light comedian role.
III
Has just married Lady Partlit and hosts a lunch with Susie, Inigo, and Mr. Memsworth.
IV
Has married Lady Partlit; will have a part in the new show.
Epilogue
Now a successful musical star, building his own theatre, married but wife rarely seen.

Chapter companion notes

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See Jerry Jerningham in In Which Colonel Trant's Daughter Goes Into Action, Sticks to Her Guns, and May Be Considered Victorious