# The Narrator — The Moon and Sixpence character guide > The Narrator in The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Unknown, myself, I **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A young writer who keeps crossing Strickland's path, first as a dinner guest, later as the man trying to assemble a life out of fragments. ## Who they are He begins as a minor literary figure invited to Mrs. Strickland's teas, useful for his connections and harmless at her table, and ends up the only person stubborn enough to keep asking questions about her husband. His own mildness — the ordinary ambitions, the social ease, the slight itch for a wilder course — makes him the perfect foil for Strickland's ruthlessness, and his confessed uncertainty about what he is seeing gives the book its unsettling honesty. He matters because the story exists only through his partial, haunted reconstruction. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/i) The first-person narrator who reflects on Strickland's fame and introduces his own perspective on the artist's character. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ii) Reflects on his intimate knowledge of Strickland and his own place in a changing literary world, adopting a self-deprecating tone about his own relevance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/iii) The narrator recalls his own youthful timidity and his early experiences in London literary society. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/iv) Attends Rose Waterford's tea party and later Mrs. Strickland's luncheon; observes and reflects on the social dynamics. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/v) The narrator reflects on his youthful enthusiasm and his growing acquaintance with Mrs. Strickland, finding her sympathetic and tactful. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/vi) Attends the Stricklands' dinner party as a last-minute replacement guest; observes Strickland and the tedious social scene. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/vii) Reflects on the Stricklands' family life and his own longing for a wilder, more exciting path. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/viii) Returns to London and learns of Strickland's desertion; visits Mrs. Strickland. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/ix) Listens to Colonel MacAndrew's account and questions the situation. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/x) Agrees to go to Paris to speak with Strickland, despite having only met him once. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xi) Travels to Paris to confront Strickland; reflects on Mrs. Strickland's behavior and his own dramatic role. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xii) Sent to Paris to reason with Strickland, he is shocked by Strickland's callousness and artistic obsession. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiii) Dines with Strickland, reflects on his own moral discomfort and curiosity about Strickland's state of mind. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xiv) Reflects on Strickland's motives and struggles to understand his abandonment of family and society. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xv) Reports to Mrs. Strickland and her family about his meeting with Charles Strickland in Paris, revealing Strickland's motive for leaving. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xvi) Observes Mrs. Strickland's behavior and learns of the false story about Strickland's elopement with a French dancer. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xvii) Decides to leave London for Paris, feeling stale and seeking a fresh start. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xviii) Arrives in Paris, finds an apartment, and visits Dirk Stroeve. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xix) Visits Stroeve, learns of Strickland's current appearance and reputation, and observes the Stroeves' marriage. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xx) Accompanies Stroeve to the café, observes Strickland, and offers to buy him dinner. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxi) The narrator dines with Strickland, observes his character, and engages in a philosophical conversation about art, fame, and the past. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxii) Settles in Paris, writes a play, visits the Stroeves frequently, and accompanies Dirk to a picture-dealer. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxiii) Reflects on the winter in Paris and his interactions with Strickland and Stroeve. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxiv) The narrator accompanies Stroeve, helps locate Strickland, and assesses his medical state. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxv) Accompanies Stroeve to the studio and observes the domestic conflict, offering minimal commentary. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxvi) Observes Strickland's recovery and the dynamics between the Stroeves and Strickland; finds Strickland detestable and tells him so. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxvii) Visits the Louvre for a holiday and encounters Stroeve. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxviii) Listens to Stroeve's story, initially skeptical but gradually convinced of the truth. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxix) Listens to Stroeve's confession, feels disapproval of his weakness, but ultimately offers him a place to stay for the night. ### [Chapter of Reflection on Blanche Stroeve's Betrayal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxx) The narrator reflects on the events and attempts to understand Blanche Stroeve's actions and Strickland's character. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxi) Observes Stroeve's actions with a mix of pity and exasperation, offering advice that Stroeve ignores. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxii) The narrator encounters Strickland and Blanche Stroeve at a café, plays chess with Strickland, and reflects on Blanche's character. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxiii) Relays the conversation with Stroeve and agrees to write a letter to Blanche on Stroeve's behalf. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxiv) The narrator is working at home when Stroeve arrives with the news of Blanche's suicide attempt. He accompanies Stroeve to the hospital and speaks with the doctor. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxv) Tries to distract Dirk; accompanies him to the hospital; speaks with the nurse; feels rage toward Strickland. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxvi) Provides comfort to Stroeve, letting him rest on the sofa, and covers him as he sleeps. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxvii) Accompanies Dirk to the funeral, feels detached and bored, suggests Dirk leave Paris, and feels relief when left alone. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxviii) The narrator listens to Stroeve's story and reflects on Stroeve's broken spirit and renunciation. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xxxix) Listens to Stroeve's account of the painting and reflects on the transformative power of Strickland's art. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xl) The narrator encounters Strickland and struggles with his own moral weakness and reluctant amusement. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xli) Confronts Strickland about his callousness, questions the value of life, and ultimately agrees to view Strickland's paintings. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlii) Visits Strickland's studio, views his paintings, reflects on art and the soul, and confronts Strickland about Blanche. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xliii) Acknowledges the unsatisfactory nature of his account, admits ignorance of key facts, and contrasts his factual narration with what a novelist might invent; reflects on the nature of love, art, and Strickland's character. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xliv) The narrator recounts Strickland's views on art and reflects on his own impressions of Brueghel. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlv) The narrator recounts his arrival in Tahiti and his reflections on Strickland's time there. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlvi) The narrator is in Tahiti, having breakfast at a hotel terrace when Captain Nichols introduces himself. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlvii) The narrator listens to Captain Nichols' account of Strickland's time in Marseilles and attempts to piece together the story. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlviii) Reflects on narrative structure and recounts the story of Monsieur Cohen. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/xlix) The narrator is living at the Hotel de la Fleur and gathering stories about Strickland from Tiaré. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/l) Reflects on the nature of belonging and recounts the story of Abraham and Alec Carmichael. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/liii) Continues his investigation into Strickland's life, listening to Captain Brunot's account and agreeing to visit Dr. Coutras. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/liv) Reflects on the tolerance Strickland received on the island and converses with Captain Brunot about beauty and purpose. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/lvii) Listens to Dr. Coutras's account and views Strickland's painting, reflecting on its meaning. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/chapters/lviii) Departs Tahiti, returns to London, visits Mrs. Strickland, and recounts Strickland's final years. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/characters/narrator - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moon_and_sixpence_se/characters