# Joby Jackson — The Good Companions character guide

> Joby Jackson in The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Jackson, Joby, Mr. Joby Jackson, Mr. Jackson

**First appearance:** 0033-i-in-which-they-all-become-good-companions

## Snapshot

A knowing, voluble stallholder and handyman whose scarlet placards — 'Joby Jackson is Here Again. The Old Firm.' — announce him wherever the fairgrounds open.

## Who they are

Joby sets out his rubber dolls and his boastful signs with great satisfaction, then turns his attention to his neighbour, the seedy, booming Professor, with whom he trades gossip about Doncaster and the rural circuit. He is a shrewd judge of patter and a man who has known the Professor off and on for years, and he shares his running commentary with Mr. Oakroyd, who listens with delight. His easy, worldly talk gives the wandering world of the troupe its texture and its humour.

## Relationships

### [Jess Oakroyd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd)

_friendship_

Jess and Joby are close companions in the troupe, sharing a simple, good-natured friendship.

### [Jess Oakroyd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd)

_friendship_

Jess and Joby are close companions in the troupe, sharing a simple, good-natured friendship.

### [Jess Oakroyd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd)

_friendship_

Jess and Joby are close companions in the troupe, sharing a simple, good-natured friendship.

## In the story

### [Mr. Oakroyd on t'Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-mr-oakroyd-on-t-road)

Joby is a rubber doll salesman who meets Jess at Everwell market, hires him to help at his stall, and introduces him to the local market scene.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii)

A traveling salesman who offers Jess tea and work, and tells him about his friend Tommy Muss and the trouble with Jim Summers.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv)

Runs the rubber toy stall, instructs Jess in sales, and leaves briefly, leading to the confrontation with Jim Summers.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v)

Gives Jess a pound note, sandwiches, and directions to Rawsley, calling him 'George' and praising him as the best Yorkshire lad he's met.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv)

Found in the Market Tavern, recounting his winter adventures: losing his motor-car, working as a clown with Baroni's Continental Circus, and now selling 'Joey in the Bottle' figures. Reunites with Jess Oakroyd.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v)

Jess Oakroyd's friend and former road companion, brought as a witness to confirm the riot was a put-up job; enjoys dinner with Jess before his departure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joby_jackson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters