The Mill on the Floss · Character
Mr. Stelling
Tom's schoolmaster who also tutors Philip Wakem.
minor
Also known as Mr. or Mrs. Stelling, Stelling, the Rev. Mr. Stelling
First appearance: Tom's "First Half"
Mr. Stelling's tie to Tom Tulliver is one of the pressures that moves The Mill on the Floss—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Tom's schoolmaster, who emphasizes Latin and classical education, reflecting traditional pedagogical methods.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Tom Tulliver (professional): Tutor and student, with Mr. Stelling's classical education frustrating Tom's practical mind. With Tom Tulliver (professional): Tutor and student, with Mr. Stelling's classical education…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mr. Stelling sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mr. Stelling in Tom's "First Half"Character Web
21 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Stelling sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Major characters and family
- Minor characters and background
+16 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the emotional/psychological peak occurs when Maggie, despite her "heavy heart" and initial re…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Tom Tulliver
professional · ambivalent
Tutor and student, with Mr. How this plays out →
- Tom Tulliver
professional · ambivalent
Tutor and student, with Mr. How this plays out →
- Tom Tulliver
professional · ambivalent
Tutor and student, with Mr. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mr. Stelling in Tom's "First Half"In the story
Mr. Stelling appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Book II: School-Time
- Tom's "First Half"
- The New Schoolfellow
- IV: “The Young Idea”
- Maggie's Second Visit
- A Love-Scene
- The Golden Gates Are Passed
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Stelling unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Stelling in Tom's "First Half"