# Dr. Small — The Hoosier Schoolmaster character guide

> Dr. Small in The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** young Dr. Small, Small

**First appearance:** 0004-ii-a-spell-coming

## Snapshot

A silent, assiduous young doctor whose smooth attentions to the wounded and the lovelorn conceal designs that make him Ralph's most dangerous rival.

## Who they are

Small moves through Flat Creek with a physician's quiet authority, binding up Bud's broken arm and later his wounded heart with equal care. His flattery and calculated kindnesses earn trust, but he is suspected of circulating the stones that cost Ralph his standing and of scheming to turn Hannah against him. His rivalry raises the stakes of Ralph's struggle from a schoolroom brawl to a contest for reputation and love.

## Relationships

### [Ralph Hartsook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/ralph_hartsook)

_professional_

Dr. Small, a community leader, interacts with Ralph in a professional capacity, sometimes offering advice or oversight.

### [Walter Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/walter_johnson)

_professional_

Dr. Small and Walter Johnson interact as community professionals, likely in legal or civic roles.

### [Bud Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/bud_means)

_social_

Bud and Dr. Small have a respectful but distant social relationship, with Dr. Small's status above Bud's.

### [Walter Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/walter_johnson)

_professional_

Dr. Small and Walter Johnson interact as community professionals, likely in legal or civic roles.

### [Bud Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/bud_means)

_social_

Bud and Dr. Small have a respectful but distant social relationship, with Dr. Small's status above Bud's.

### [Bud Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/bud_means)

_social_

Bud and Dr. Small have a respectful but distant social relationship, with Dr. Small's status above Bud's.

## In the story

### [V: The Walk Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/v-the-walk-home)

Passes by the gate as Ralph and Hannah say goodnight, mounting his horse.

### [IX: Has God Forgotten Shocky?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/ix-has-god-forgotten-shocky)

His horse is seen at Granny Sanders's cabin, hinting at a secret visit.

### [X: The Devil of Silence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/x-the-devil-of-silence)

Small is a master of silence and subtle manipulation, using his quiet demeanor to flatter Granny Sanders and plant suspicion against Ralph without uttering a direct accusation.

### [A Struggle for the Mastery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xiii-a-struggle-for-the-mastery)

Present but leaves when he thinks there might be an explosion.

### [XIX: Face to Face](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xix-face-to-face)

Listens to the conversation from the barn and then quietly enters the house.

### [Pancakes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxii-pancakes)

Mentioned as a manipulative figure who has gained Aunt Matilda's favor and turned her against Ralph.

### [A Loss and a Gain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxvii-a-loss-and-a-gain)

Assiduously binds up Bud's wounded heart, using flattery and attention to gain influence over him.

### [The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxix-the-trial)

Makes a move to protect himself, suggesting Pearson's arrest and calling Walter Johnson.

### [XXX: “Brother Sodom”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxx-brother-sodom)

Mentioned as the leader of a secret group; Walter fears his retribution.

### [XXXI: The Trial Concluded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxxi-the-trial-concluded)

The villain whose scheme unravels as Walter testifies against him. He is arrested at the end of the chapter.

### [XXXII: After the Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xxxii-after-the-battle)

Survives the mob's attempts, forfeits bail, and disappears from the county.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters/dr_small
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/characters