# Mr. Polly — The History of Mr. Polly character guide > Mr. Polly in The History of Mr. Polly by H. G. Wells. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Polly, Mamie, Alfred Polly, Alfred **First appearance:** 0000-i-beginnings-and-the-bazaar ## Snapshot A small-town draper's assistant turned shopkeeper, Alfred Polly is a man of thwarted imagination who cannot stop seeing how much better life should be. ## Who they are Mr. Polly drifts into the drapery trade, into marriage, and into a failing shop in Fishbourne, none of it chosen so much as allowed to happen. His real life runs underneath: a hunger for beauty, adventure, and meaning that no counter or ledger can satisfy, and a gift for odd, half-invented words that no one around him appreciates. His discontent is the engine of the book, and his struggle to escape the greyness he calls his own is what carries the story forward. ## Relationships ### [Miriam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/miriam) _family_ Miriam is Mr. Polly's wife, and their marriage is marked by mutual dissatisfaction and constant bickering. ### [Uncle Jim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/uncle_jim) _rivalry_ Uncle Jim is a violent and antagonistic figure who clashes with Mr. Polly, often over property or pride. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/johnson) _friendship_ Johnson is a loyal friend and fellow shop assistant who shares Mr. Polly's discontent with their mundane lives. ### [Parsons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/parsons) _friendship_ Parsons is a free-spirited and intellectual friend from Mr. Polly's youth who inspires his romantic idealism. ### [Annie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/annie) _romantic_ Annie is Mr. Polly's childhood sweetheart and the object of his lasting romantic affection and regret. ### [The Young Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/the_young_lady) _romantic_ The Young Lady (often identified as Christabel) represents a fleeting romantic fantasy and escape for Mr. Polly. ### [Mr. Rusper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_rusper) _rivalry_ Mr. Rusper is a grumpy neighbor and shopkeeper who frequently argues with Mr. Polly over trivial matters. ### [Rumbold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/rumbold) _professional_ Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents. ### [Mr. Voules](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_voules) _family_ Mr. Voules is Miriam's uncle and a meddlesome relative who pressures Mr. Polly into marriage and conformity. ### [Hinks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/hinks) _social_ Hinks is a fellow shop assistant and acquaintance who shares Mr. Polly's dreary work environment. ### [Platt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/platt) _friendship_ Platt is a friend and former colleague who, along with Parsons, reminisces with Mr. Polly about youthful escapades. ### [Elfrid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/elfrid) _family_ Elfrid is Mr. Polly's father, a stern and unaffectionate figure who shaped Mr. Polly's unhappy childhood. ## In the story ### [I: Beginnings, and the Bazaar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i-beginnings-and-the-bazaar) Suffering from indigestion and discontent, reflects on his miserable life and failing shop; flashback to his youth as an apprentice at Port Burdock Bazaar. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Suffers from indigestion, projects his discomfort onto the world, has a tantrum over his hat, and sits on a stile hating his life. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Described as short, compact, with a yellowish complexion and troubled eyes; he is deeply discontented with his life and business. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Apprenticed at Port Burdock Drapery Bazaar, forms the Three Ps with Platt and Parsons, struggles with indigestion and conflicting influences. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Reminisces about past walks with Parsons and Platt, finding solace in memories of freedom and companionship. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) Depicted as a quiet, speculative youth who loves slang and novel phrases, acting as an appreciative stimulant to Parsons. ### [The Dismissal of Parsons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii-the-dismissal-of-parsons) Observes Parsons' window dressing and subsequent dismissal with intense curiosity; later feels a sense of irreparable loss. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Observes and reflects on Parsons' dismissal, deeply impressed by the event. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Observes Parsons' window dressing and the ensuing conflict, feeling a mix of joy and fear. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Serves as a witness in court, struggles with the ordeal, and feels a deep sense of loss after Parsons' departure. ### [III: Cribs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii-cribs) The protagonist, now adrift after Parsons' departure, struggling with depression, job hunting, and the onset of indigestion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Feels depressed after Parsons leaves, quits his job, and struggles to find work in London. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) The protagonist, whose imaginative and un-businesslike nature is explored; he dreams of picturesque things, loves Falstaff and Rabelais, and suffers from the beginnings of indigestion. He finds temporary solace in Canterbury's Gothic architecture. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Experiences professional failure, indigestion, and existential despair; considers himself a social misfit. ### [Mr. Polly an Orphan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv-mr-polly-an-orphan) The protagonist, now an orphan, inherits his father's estate and attends the funeral, feeling a mix of surprise and emotional detachment. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Grieves his father's death and struggles with funeral planning. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Inherits money after his father's death and discusses his financial future with Johnson, showing reluctance to make immediate decisions. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) The central figure, overwhelmed by the funeral arrangements and the arrival of his relatives. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Serves as Chief Mourner at his father's funeral, feeling out of place and distracted by the Larkins cousins. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) Struggles with grief and dyspepsia at his father's funeral; feels alienated from the festive mood of the mourners. ### [Mr. Polly Takes a Vacation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v-mr-polly-takes-a-vacation) Takes a holiday after dismissal, buys a bicycle and books, visits his Larkins cousins, and encounters a young woman while exploring. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Returns from a funeral, is dismissed, and decides to take a holiday; dreams of companionship and romantic encounters. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Mr. Polly buys a bicycle and books, learns to ride, and visits his Larkins cousins, where he entertains them with stories. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Visits the Larkins, goes for a walk with the girls, and converses with Annie about the rings. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Returns home late, lies to Johnson about his pedal, and reflects fondly on his flirtations with the Larkins cousins. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) Divided between business discussions with Johnson and visits to the Larkins; encounters a young woman on a wall. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi) Flirts with Christabel, adopting a chivalric persona and declaring love at first sight. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vii) Falls deeply in love with Christabel, makes desperate declarations, and is devastated when he discovers her schoolmates spying on them. ### [VI: Miriam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi-miriam) Returns to the Larkins seeking solace, proposes to Miriam, and later faces the financial constraints of his dwindling savings. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Visits the Larkins after ten days, nursing humiliation from a bicycle accident. He enthusiastically describes his ideal shop and nearly proposes to Minnie before deflecting. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Proposes to Miriam in the recreation ground, feeling both satisfaction and regret. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Struggles with the decision to marry Miriam and buy a shop; feels trapped and considers escape; ultimately makes impulsive choices. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) The reluctant groom, feeling trapped by social forces and distracted by thoughts of escape and a beautiful red-haired girl. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) The bridegroom, subjected to rice-throwing and confusion, heroically shields his face and escapes in the dog cart. ### [The Wedding Feast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi) The newly married bridegroom, awkwardly holding the horse and later reflecting on his situation during the feast. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vii) Feels trapped and gloomy at his wedding feast, skies dark with the sense of irreparable acts. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii) The groom, waving his hat as the train departs, then awkwardly kissing his bride. ### [VII: The Little Shop at Fishbourne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vii-the-little-shop-at-fishbourne) Now thirty-seven, fattish, and discontented, he has spent fifteen years as a reluctant shopkeeper in Fishbourne, finding escape only in reading. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Now thirty-seven, fattish, and discontented; reflects on fifteen years of tedious shopkeeping and his unmet hunger for beauty and adventure. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Spends his time reading books to escape his unhappy marriage and failing shop; realizes after fifteen years that his life has been worthless. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Sitting on his gate, swearing in the east wind, embodying personal distress and confusion. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Suffers from indigestion and internal disorder, leading to quarrels with neighbors; confronts Rumbold but fails to assert himself, then nurses a long-term grudge. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) Feels intimidated and spiritless after Hinks threatens him for allegedly 'flapping his mouth'. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi) Alienated from his neighbours, he gets into a violent altercation with Mr. Rusper after his bicycle crashes into displayed ironmongery. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vii) Sits on a stile, brooding over his financial insolvency and marital unhappiness, and begins to plan his suicide. ### [VIII: Making an End to Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii-making-an-end-to-things) Plans suicide and arson, executes the fire, is rescued, and becomes a reluctant hero. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Contemplates suicide and arson, feeling trapped in a miserable life and marriage. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Prepares the house for arson, attempts suicide by throat-cutting, but is interrupted by the rapidly spreading fire and flees to raise the alarm. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Beats at Rumbold's door, attempts to rescue a deaf old lady, and vanishes into the Royal Fishbourne Tap. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Leads the rescue of the elderly lady, climbing rooftops and descending the fire escape. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) The hero of the fire, he repeatedly tells his story, receives praise, and later reflects on his forgotten suicide attempt. ### [IX: The Potwell Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ix-the-potwell-inn) Embarks on a new life as a tramp, then becomes the defender of the Potwell Inn against Uncle Jim. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Lying awake at night, suffering from indigestion, contemplating escape from his life. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) The protagonist, now a tramp, wanders along the river bank between Uppingdon and Potwell, enjoying a healthy, carefree life in the open air. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Arrives at the Potwell Inn, admires the scenery, meets the plump landlady, and accepts a job as odd man after a comical punting mishap. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv) Mr. Polly practices punting and interacts with the young girl, learning about Uncle Jim's threats. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v) Inquires about Uncle Jim and learns of the danger; contemplates whether to stay or flee. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vi) Stays on at the Potwell Inn, works the ferry, and plays with little Polly; later confronted by Uncle Jim. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/vii) Sits under fir trees, debating whether to return to the Potwell Inn or flee; ultimately decides to face Uncle Jim. ### [The Private War Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii) Returns to the inn, confronts and defeats Uncle Jim in a series of skirmishes, driving him into the river. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ix) Busy preparing defenses against Uncle Jim, including a weighted stocking and cellar trap schemes; later confronts Uncle Jim's return with a poker. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/x) Mr. Polly hears of Uncle Jim's imprisonment and decides to remain at the inn despite the danger. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/xi) Spends three happy months at the Potwell Inn, but anxiety over Uncle Jim grows; buys a rook rifle; is discovered hiding in a ditch by Warspite; leads the way back to the inn and shows his ransacked room. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/xii) Mr. Polly reflects on Uncle Jim's absence and responds to the plump woman's wondering. ### [Miriam Revisited](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/x-miriam-revisited) Now plumper, browner, and healthier, with a small square beard; reflects on his past, feels remorse for deserting Miriam, and returns to Fishbourne disguised. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/i) Sitting under a pollard willow fishing, reflecting on his past and his life at the Potwell Inn. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii) Returns to Fishbourne disguised with a beard, visits Miriam's tea shop, and decides to leave again. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii) Sits with the fat woman, reflects on life, his past actions, and his marriage to Miriam. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_polly - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters