# Jerry Jerningham — The Good Companions character guide > Jerry Jerningham in The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Jerningham, Mr. Jerry Jerningham, Mr. Jerningham, Jerry **First appearance:** 0033-i-in-which-they-all-become-good-companions ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [In Which Colonel Trant's Daughter Goes Into Action, Sticks to Her Guns, and May Be Considered Victorious](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Jerry's dancing is described as astonishing, and he becomes a vivid personality on stage. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Performs 'Slipping Round the Corner'; receives a bouquet from an unknown admirer; offers the roses to Elsie. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Receives a mysterious bouquet during the Sandybay performance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Plays cards and is teased by Elsie and Susie. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Jerry is the object of Lady Partlit's admiration; Susie mentions him as a talented and handsome dancer. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Disappears without notice, leaving the troupe short-handed. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Arrives late, wearing khaki trousers, and angrily confronts Lady Partlit about a misunderstanding. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a performer who, along with Susie Dean, gets too much program time according to Elsie. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Writes a letter to Lady Partlit, thanking her for a gift and apologizing for past behavior. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vi) Noted as still with the troupe, popular with local girls but unchanged in his vanity and limited talent. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vii) Not directly mentioned in this chapter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned by Inigo as someone he would not miss if he left the show. ### [Susie's Birthday and the Great Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Absent from the party; sent a note and a present of handkerchiefs, which Mrs. Joe finds mysterious. ### [A Benefit Performance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-a-benefit-performance) Mentioned as a figure that wistful virgins are eager to see; part of the Good Companions troupe. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Reported missing since Saturday night after the riot. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Has disappeared, leaving a gap in the light comedian role. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Has just married Lady Partlit and hosts a lunch with Susie, Inigo, and Mr. Memsworth. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Has married Lady Partlit; will have a part in the new show. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/epilogue) Now a successful musical star, building his own theatre, married but wife rarely seen. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jerry_jerningham - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters