# Max — The Magic City character guide

> Max in The Magic City by E. Nesbit.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the worthy Max

**First appearance:** 0003-ii-deliverer-or-destroyer

## Snapshot

A polite and loyal dog who trots beside the children through every strange city, hiding pineapple under guests' feet to spare their feelings.

## Who they are

Max is the faithful companion who follows Philip and Lucy into the magic city, accepting whatever comes with quiet dignity and tactful good manners. When banquet fare proves disappointing, he discreetly conceals unwanted pineapple rather than offend his hosts, revealing a gentle, considerate nature. His steady presence anchors the children's fantastical journey, offering warmth and constancy amid the shifting, unpredictable world they must navigate.

## Relationships

### [Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/lucy)

_friendship_

Lucy and Max are friendly companions, likely sharing playful or supportive interactions.

### [Philip Haldane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/philip_haldane)

_friendship_

Max and Philip are allies and friends, often cooperating in their adventures.

### [Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/lucy)

_friendship_

Lucy and Max are friendly companions, likely sharing playful or supportive interactions.

### [Philip Haldane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/philip_haldane)

_friendship_

Max and Philip are allies and friends, often cooperating in their adventures.

### [Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/lucy)

_friendship_

Lucy and Max are friendly companions, likely sharing playful or supportive interactions.

### [Philip Haldane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/philip_haldane)

_friendship_

Max and Philip are allies and friends, often cooperating in their adventures.

## In the story

### [VI: The Lions in the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters/vi-the-lions-in-the-desert)

Max is one of the dogs accompanying the expedition; he faces the lions but shows no real love of sport.

### [X: The Great Sloth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters/x-the-great-sloth)

Shows concern for Brenda, is drawn up with Philip, and feels faint after the lid is closed; eats the pineapple with the others.

### [XI: The Night Attack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters/xi-the-night-attack)

Sleeps at Philip's feet and offers to wake others, but Philip decides to go alone on the night attack.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters/max
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_magic_city_se/characters