# Jess Oakroyd — The Good Companions character guide > Jess Oakroyd in The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jesiah Oakroyd, Mr. Oakroyd, Jess Oakroyd, Oakroyd **First appearance:** 0003-i-mr-oakroyd-leaves-home ## Snapshot A blunt Yorkshire working man who trades a henpecked home for lodgings and adventure, discovering that being nobody's husband suits him better than he ever dared admit. ## Who they are Jess measures life in pints, pipes, and meat-and-tater pie, and finds lodgings a rare treat after years of domestic scolding. His dour humor and stubborn decency anchor the group when plans collapse and everyone is trudging home through the dark. He is the troupe's plain-spoken conscience, the man who keeps thinking about supper and insists something will turn up. ## Relationships ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Jess and Joe are close friends and fellow performers, often sharing camaraderie and lighthearted banter on the road. ### [Elizabeth Trant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/elizabeth_trant) _friendship_ Elizabeth treats Jess with kindness and respect, forming a steady, supportive friendship as they work together in the company. ### [Joby Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joby_jackson) _friendship_ Jess and Joby are close companions in the troupe, sharing a simple, good-natured friendship. ### [Sam Oglethorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/sam_oglethorpe) _friendship_ Jess and Sam are old friends from Yorkshire, sharing a bond of hometown familiarity and mutual support. ### [Susie Dean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/susie_dean) _friendship_ Jess and Susie share a friendly, affectionate bond, with Jess often acting as a cheerful supporter of Susie's performances. ### [Inigo Jollifant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/inigo_jollifant) _friendship_ Inigo and Jess develop a warm friendship through their shared adventures in the troupe, with Jess's down-to-earth nature complementing Inigo's idealism. ### [Elizabeth Trant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/elizabeth_trant) _friendship_ Elizabeth treats Jess with kindness and respect, forming a steady, supportive friendship as they work together in the company. ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Jess and Joe are close friends and fellow performers, often sharing camaraderie and lighthearted banter on the road. ### [Elizabeth Trant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/elizabeth_trant) _friendship_ Elizabeth treats Jess with kindness and respect, forming a steady, supportive friendship as they work together in the company. ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Jess and Joe are close friends and fellow performers, often sharing camaraderie and lighthearted banter on the road. ### [Sam Oglethorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/sam_oglethorpe) _friendship_ Jess and Sam are old friends from Yorkshire, sharing a bond of hometown familiarity and mutual support. ### [Sam Oglethorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/sam_oglethorpe) _friendship_ Jess and Sam are old friends from Yorkshire, sharing a bond of hometown familiarity and mutual support. ## In the story ### [The Good Companions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/the-good-companions) Part of the group, bringing his practical skills and enthusiasm. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/book-i) Introduced as a discontented Yorkshireman, feeling trapped by his wife and seeking escape. ### [Mr. Oakroyd Leaves Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-mr-oakroyd-leaves-home) Jess is the protagonist of this chapter. He is sacked from Higden's mill, dreams of independence, and after a quarrel with his wife about taking in a lodger, he decides to leave home. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Introduced as an old and enthusiastic supporter of the Bruddersford United Football Club, a quiet and decent working man living at 51 Ogden Street, unknowingly on the verge of great changes. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Rides the tram, reflects on missing his daughter Lily, and feels trapped in his home life. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Feeling depressed and trapped, Jess visits his friend Sam Oglethorpe and later helps a drunken man on his way home. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Loses his job at Higden's, argues with his wife, and decides to leave home for the South. ### [Mr. Oakroyd on t'Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-mr-oakroyd-on-t-road) Jess is the central figure in this chapter, traveling alone after leaving home, seeking food and shelter, and eventually helping Joby Jackson at his stall. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Flees Bruddersford impulsively, hitches a ride on a lorry, and ends up at the Kirkworth Inn with Nobby and Fred. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Wakes up disoriented in a strange kitchen, is thrown out by the landlady, walks to Everwell, has breakfast at Poppleby's, and discovers he has been robbed of his twenty pounds. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Meets Joby Jackson, repairs his stall, and shares his story of being cheated out of twenty pounds. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Joby to Ribsden, helps set up the stall, and faces a threatening encounter with Jim Summers. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v) Receives a pound and sandwiches from Joby, then sets off alone toward Rawsley, wrestling with loneliness and self-doubt before feeling a thrill of adventure. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Jess helps fix Miss Trant's car and shares his recent adventures, feeling like a different person since leaving Bruddersford. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Arrives at the Singing Room and is called to join in by a girl's voice. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/book-ii) Remains with the group, finding purpose and camaraderie in the traveling life. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Jess Oakroyd is persuaded to stay with the group after being forgotten in the car. ### [The Dinner at The Royal Standard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Sits next to Susie Dean, enjoys the meal and beer, speaks in broad accent. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Mr. Oakroyd accompanies Miss Trant and Jimmy to Dotworth to help set up the stage. He is asked to cover a film poster that detracts from the show's bill. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Heard offstage commenting on the quality of ale, adding a touch of earthy humor to the scene. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Receives instructions from Jimmy Nunn; is responsible for the curtain; admits the show was 'champion'. ### [Mr. Oakroyd Plays "The Hunted Man" for a Short Season](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-mr-oakroyd-plays-the-hunted-man-for-a-short-season) Initially happy with his new life, then becomes depressed and anxious in Haxby, believing he is hunted by police. His mood lifts after meeting Mr. Ashworth. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Reflects on his happiness and independence working with the Good Companions, contrasts his current life with his past at Higden's mill, and shares his thoughts on travel, lodgings, and Yorkshire cooking. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Receives a worrying letter from his son Leonard about police inquiries, becomes suspicious of a chauffeur, and decides to travel by car for safety. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Jess is paranoid and miserable in Winstead, convinced the police are pursuing him. He has a tense encounter with a police sergeant and an uncomfortable tea with a policeman named Tom. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Mr. Oakroyd is burdened by his secret but finds relief after meeting Mr. Ashworth and learning he is not wanted by the police. ### [The Black Week](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vi-the-black-week) Mr. Oakroyd travels ahead to Tewborough with Miss Trant, delivers a blunt assessment of the town ('It's bloody awful'), and continues his duties. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mr. Oakroyd traveled with Miss Trant to Tewborough on Sunday and met the company at the station. He privately tells Inigo that Tewborough is 'bloody awful.' ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Works on cleaning the stage, shares lodgings with Inigo, and expresses deep gloom about Tewborough and the theatre. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Encourages Inigo's writing and reports on Jerningham's disappearance. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Present at the meeting, uneasy, and delivers a message about Jerry Jerningham's absence. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the property man and stage carpenter, a Yorkshireman who wants to go to Canada to see his daughter Lily. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vii) Not directly mentioned in this chapter. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ix) Writes a letter to his daughter Lily, describing his Christmas, visit to Bruddersford, and the Good Companions' success. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/book-iii) Jess remains a steadfast member of the company, contributing his practical skills and steady presence. ### [A Wind in the Triangle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-a-wind-in-the-triangle) Meets Elsie Longstaff on the street, learns of her engagement, and proudly introduces his new friend Jock Campbell. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Discusses Elsie's engagement with Jock Campbell, expresses concern about the troupe breaking up, and meets Mr. Dulver. ### [A Chapter of Encounters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii-a-chapter-of-encounters) Mr. Oakroyd is the target of Mamie Potter's rudeness, responding with dry Yorkshire wit. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mr. Oakroyd is the props man and is subjected to Mamie Potter's condescending remarks, which he responds to with dry humor. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Visits the Market Tavern for a half-pint, seeking noise and company. Encounters his old friend Joby Jackson and shares news of his work with the 'Good Companions'. ### [Susie's Birthday and the Great Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Reproaches Inigo for his lateness, speaking his mind as usual. ### [A Benefit Performance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-a-benefit-performance) Congratulates Susie after her performance, warns her about the troublemakers, and helps put out the fire; he is a key witness to the riot's origin. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Wonders about his future, what is happening in Canada and Bruddersford. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Supports Susie, predicts trouble, and shares a heartfelt exchange about her potential departure. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Bruised and blackened, he insists the fire was minor and blames men from the pit for shouting 'Fire!' and starting the panic. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned by Susie as someone they must not forget; she hopes something nice will happen for him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as missing; his whereabouts are unknown during the celebration. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v) Plays detective to investigate the Hippodrome riot, brings Joby Jackson as a witness, then receives a telegram about his wife's illness and leaves Gatford. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Returns to Bruddersford after traveling, learns of his wife's serious illness, and struggles with guilt and helplessness. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Visits his dying wife at the Infirmary, struggles with guilt and grief. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Receives a cable from his daughter Lily in Canada, decides to emigrate, and visits Sam Oglethorpe. Feels emotionally numb and disconnected. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v) Attends the football match and prepares to leave Bruddersford by train that evening. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/epilogue) Living in Pittford Falls, Canada, running a business with his son-in-law, misses Bruddersford. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters