# Susie Dean — The Good Companions character guide > Susie Dean in The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Susie Dean, Miss Dean, Susie, Dean **First appearance:** 0028-vi-inigo-meets-a-member-of-the-profession-and-turns-pianist ## Snapshot A high-spirited young actress with a gift for mimicry and a knack for lifting a room, she is the troupe's leading lady and its most infectious source of nerve. ## Who they are Susie takes people off, sings, dances, and squeezes her companions' arms when the night turns gloomy, refusing to let despair have the last word. Her sparkle draws audiences and holds the company together when bookings fail and morale sags. She is the troupe's engine of charm, the reason strangers like Miss Thong go twice and cry when the show breaks up. ## Relationships ### [Inigo Jollifant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/inigo_jollifant) _romantic_ Inigo and Susie share a deep romantic bond, with Susie often inspiring Inigo's musical creativity and providing emotional support. ### [Elizabeth Trant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/elizabeth_trant) _friendship_ Elizabeth and Susie have a warm, sisterly friendship, with Elizabeth often offering practical advice and encouragement to the younger performer. ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Joe and Susie share a playful, teasing friendship, with Joe often acting as a protective older brother figure. ### [Jimmy Nunn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jimmy_nunn) _professional_ Jimmy and Susie have a professional relationship as manager and performer, with Jimmy appreciating Susie's talent but often clashing over artistic decisions. ### [Jess Oakroyd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd) _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) _romantic_ Inigo and Susie share a deep romantic bond, with Susie often inspiring Inigo's musical creativity and providing emotional support. ### [Inigo Jollifant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/inigo_jollifant) _romantic_ Inigo and Susie share a deep romantic bond, with Susie often inspiring Inigo's musical creativity and providing emotional support. ### [Elizabeth Trant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/elizabeth_trant) _friendship_ Elizabeth and Susie have a warm, sisterly friendship, with Elizabeth often offering practical advice and encouragement to the younger performer. ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Joe and Susie share a playful, teasing friendship, with Joe often acting as a protective older brother figure. ### [Joe Brundit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/joe_brundit) _friendship_ Joe and Susie share a playful, teasing friendship, with Joe often acting as a protective older brother figure. ### [Jimmy Nunn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jimmy_nunn) _professional_ Jimmy and Susie have a professional relationship as manager and performer, with Jimmy appreciating Susie's talent but often clashing over artistic decisions. ### [Jess Oakroyd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/jess_oakroyd) _friendship_ Jess and Susie share a friendly, affectionate bond, with Jess often acting as a cheerful supporter of Susie's performances. ## In the story ### [The Good Companions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/the-good-companions) A performer in the troupe, eager for the first show. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/book-ii) Continues as a performer, facing the ups and downs of the theatrical world. ### [In Which They All Become "Good Companions"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-in-which-they-all-become-good-companions) Praised by Nunn as a talented young comedienne; blows a kiss to him during the conversation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Susie Dean is described as a talented young performer and the baby of the show. ### [The Dinner at The Royal Standard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Lively and teasing; declares she forgot there was so much food in the world. ### [II: Very Short, and Devoted to Rehearsals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii-very-short-and-devoted-to-rehearsals) Observes Inigo with a cool eye, later challenges him to write a song for her, displaying her sharp wit and ambition. ### [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) Mentioned as having good taste but impatient and not skilled with sewing; a favorite of Miss Trant. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a favorite of Miss Trant, though not good with sewing. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Susie performs brilliantly, captivating Miss Trant with her witty songs, dancing, and caricatures. She treats the stage as her own and the audience as friends, earning Miss Trant's adoration. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Performs her new song about going home to great applause; expects the bouquet but it goes to Jerry Jerningham; shows warmth to Inigo. ### [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) Mentioned as someone who can talk at length about the many towns she has visited. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Described as a lively, bonny, and friendly lass, a good turn on stage, and a favorite of Mr. Oakroyd. She talks about the towns she has visited and has a conversation with Mr. Oakroyd about Miss Trant. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Teases Jess about shaving his moustache and his new cap, calling him the troupe's mascot. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Susie potters about contentedly but secretly longs for cities and crowded streets. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Susie suggests Oakroyd is homesick for Bruddersford. ### [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) Recounts her childhood as the daughter of touring musical comedy performers, falls asleep against Inigo's shoulder, and participates in the group's banter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Reads, has her fortune told, and misses the train at Hicklefield. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Susie shares her childhood memories of touring with her father and her early life in theatre. She rejects Inigo's proposal, stating she is wedded to her art and will never marry. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Susie is perceptive and ambitious, quickly recognizing Lady Partlit's interest in Jerry Jerningham and using it to her advantage. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Discusses her ambitions for stardom and independence, dreams of wealth and success, and falls asleep against Inigo's shoulder. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Defends the show, argues against canceling, and is frustrated with Jerry Jerningham's disappearance. ### [All Stolen from the Mail Bag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vii-all-stolen-from-the-mail-bag) Mentioned in Elsie's letter as being favored in the programme and the object of Inigo Jollifant's attention; also mentioned by Miss Trant as giving prizes at a children's party. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a fellow performer whom Elsie is glad to have a break from sharing a room with, and as the object of Inigo Jollifant's attention. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as asking about her father Jack Dean; Jimmy notes her talent and predicts she will soon leave the concert party for a bigger opportunity. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vi) Writes a letter to Kitty Mackay, explaining her decision to stay with The Good Companions and describing the troupe's members. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/vii) Described as the chief girl in the show, a delightful girl and a genius who encourages Inigo to make money from his songs. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/viii) Helped give prizes at a children's party; described as a very charming and clever girl. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/book-iii) Susie's ambition and talent shine as she seeks greater recognition and opportunities on stage. ### [A Wind in the Triangle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-a-wind-in-the-triangle) Frustrated with her career, envies Coral Crawford's success, and expresses desire for more than the same old concert-party routine. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Susie expresses frustration with the prospect of a long season in Bournemouth and a desire for a bigger chance in her career. ### [A Chapter of Encounters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii-a-chapter-of-encounters) Susie criticizes Inigo's lack of drive and pushes Miss Trant to investigate the sighting of Dr. McFarlane. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Susie is energetic and romantic, encouraging Miss Trant to find Dr. McFarlane. She also expresses frustration with Inigo Jollifant's lack of ambition. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Dances exclusively with the dashing young Dulver, causing Inigo's jealousy. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Argues with Inigo about his jealousy and her independence; criticizes his amateurish attitude toward the stage. ### [III: Inigo in Wonderland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii-inigo-in-wonderland) Inigo's friend and fellow performer; he praises her as a genius to Monte Mortimer. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Mentioned in Inigo's thoughts; he imagines her domestic life and plans to surprise her with his trip. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Though not present, Susie is the central focus of Inigo's negotiations; he describes her as a genius and insists Mortimer see her perform. ### [Susie's Birthday and the Great Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) The birthday girl, initially cold and disappointed by Inigo's lateness, but becomes ecstatic upon learning of Monte Mortimer's interest. ### [A Benefit Performance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv-a-benefit-performance) The star of the benefit performance, she receives encores, flowers, and a bouquet, and is excited about a potential offer from a theatre magnate. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i) Having her benefit night and birthday; the audience knows her and she is the center of attention. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Excited about Monte Mortimer's presence, sees it as her big chance; shares a tender moment with Jess Oakroyd. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Arrives at the stage door in her costume and coat, with tear-stained makeup; she links arms with Joe and Inigo and leads them away from the main street. ### [Long, and Full of Salvage Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v-long-and-full-of-salvage-work) Exhilarated by Memsworth's offer but conflicted about leaving the Good Companions behind; she insists on not taking her benefit money to help Miss Trant. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii) Frustrated and depressed after the troupe's collapse, she insists Inigo must leave for London and plans to visit Miss Trant. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii) Excited about the new opportunity with Mr. Memsworth, she visits Miss Trant and later attends lunch with Jerry and his new wife. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv) Bursts into Mrs. Joe's room with news of Jerry's marriage and a new show; shares news about Miss Trant's romance; celebrates with the group. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as planning to go to London and offering to find Jess a job there. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/epilogue) Remains unmarried, successful comedienne, still close with Inigo. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters/susie_dean - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/characters