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The Mill on the Floss · Character

Philip Wakem

Lawyer Wakem's sensitive, hunchbacked son, whose intelligence and secret devotion to Maggie cut across the feud between their fathers.

supporting

Also known as Philip, Wakem, dear Philip, Phil

First appearance: The New Schoolfellow

As a supporting figure in The Mill on the Floss, Philip Wakem is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the son of Lawyer Wakem, who is to be sent to Mr.
In the storyII: The Christmas HolidaysOpen this moment free

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Philip Wakem is the lawyer's son, physically deformed and inwardly refined, drawn to Maggie's mind and warmth from childhood. He moves quietly through St. Ogg's, avoiding crowds, buying up what others reject, and…

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The fuller portrait of Philip Wakem sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Philip Wakem in The New Schoolfellow

Character Web

32 connections

A slice of how Philip Wakem sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

SDSusan DodsonGRGrittyMMMrs. MossMGMr. GoreMPMrs. PulletPWPhilip Wakem

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Major characters and family
  • Minor characters and background

+27 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Philip Wakem in The New Schoolfellow

In the story

Philip Wakem appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Philip Wakem unlock in the free preview.

See Philip Wakem in The New Schoolfellow