# Mr. Deane — The Mill on the Floss character guide

> Mr. Deane in The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** sister Deane, Deane, uncle Deane

**First appearance:** 0006-vi-the-aunts-and-uncles-are-coming

## Snapshot

A shrewd, self-made partner in Guest & Co., Mr. Deane measures men by pluck and dependability and gives Tom his first real foothold in the world.

## Who they are

Mr. Deane is Lucy's father and a man of business who has risen by his own wits, believing firmly that any young man who fails to rise has only himself to blame. He takes Tom on as a clerk, watches him for seven years, and finally offers him a share in the concern because he sees the right habits and no flashiness. His practical patronage gives Tom the means to redeem the Tulliver name and quietly reshapes the family's fortunes.

## Relationships

### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver)

_professional_

Uncle and employer, with Mr. Deane providing Tom a business opportunity and expecting hard work.

### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver)

_professional_

Uncle and employer, with Mr. Deane providing Tom a business opportunity and expecting hard work.

### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver)

_professional_

Uncle and employer, with Mr. Deane providing Tom a business opportunity and expecting hard work.

## In the story

### [Tom Applies His Knife to the Oyster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-tom-applies-his-knife-to-the-oyster)

Mr. Deane is a practical and successful businessman who advises Tom to start in a humble position and learn the realities of trade. He is cautious about recommending Tom for a place, emphasizing the need for proven ability.

### [VII: How a Hen Takes to Stratagem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vii-how-a-hen-takes-to-stratagem)

Shows kindness to the Tullivers, finding Tom a temporary place in the warehouse and considering whether Guest & Co. might buy the mill.

### [Showing That Tom Had Opened the Oyster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-showing-that-tom-had-opened-the-oyster)

Mr. Deane praises Tom's business qualities and offers him a share in the firm. He listens thoughtfully to Tom's wish to reclaim the mill and agrees to consider it.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/mr_deane
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters