The Painted Veil · Character

Bernard Garstin

Kitty's father, a lawyer who is overshadowed by his wife.

minor

Also known as Bernard

First appearance: i

Bernard Garstin's tie to Mrs. Garstin is one of the pressures that moves The Painted Veil—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

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With Mrs. Garstin (family): A passive, submissive husband dominated by his ambitious and controlling wife. With Kitty Fane (family): A…

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Character Web

4 connections

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Character groups

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

In this excerpt, Kitty reaches an emotional and psychological peak by confronting her own shame and humility i…

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Mrs. Garstin
family · ambivalent
A passive, submissive husband dominated by his ambitious and controlling wife. How this plays out →
Kitty Fane
family · negative

Relationship notes

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Bernard Garstin appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Mentioned as a K.C. who might become a judge, living in South Kensington.
VI
Photograph shows him as unassuming and mild; chosen by Mrs. Garstin to appear judicial.
VII
A painstaking but unambitious barrister who yields to his wife's nagging; becomes a stranger to his family after his career declines.
VIII
Bernard Garstin is Kitty's father, a barrister who is unlikely to become a High Court judge but may hope for a County Court judgeship.
X
Kitty's father chats with Walter and later asks Kitty if she intends to marry him.
XI
Kitty's father is mentioned as exhausted after term's work, but Kitty knows his convenience is never consulted in holiday choices, highlighting the family's dynamics.
LXXVIII
Kitty's father writes to her about her mother's illness and later sends a telegram announcing her death.
LXXIX
Kitty's father, now a widower, tries to conceal his relief at his wife's death.
LXXX
Mr. Garstin, now a widower, has accepted a post as Chief Justice of the Bahamas and initially hesitates to bring Kitty, but ultimately agrees after her heartfelt plea.

Chapter companion notes

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