Victor Campion

Maggie Campion

Maggie is Victor's sister, and their frequent interactions suggest a close but complex sibling bond, with Maggie often acting as a caretaker or moral compass.

Mamma Campion

Mamma is Victor's mother, and she dotes on him, often enabling his bachelor lifestyle while worrying about his future.

Lucy Hawthorn

Lucy is a romantic interest of Victor, and their interactions are charged with flirtation and unfulfilled promise.

Lily Campion

Lily is Victor's younger sister, and she admires him but also criticizes his indecisiveness, showing a teasing yet affectionate bond.

Margaret Southmayd

Margaret is another romantic interest of Victor, and their relationship is marked by mutual attraction but also hesitation from Victor.

Old Mother

Old Mother is likely an elderly relative or servant, and she has a nurturing yet critical relationship with Victor.

Aunt Priscilla

Aunt Priscilla is Victor's aunt, and she frequently scolds him for his lack of ambition, yet she cares for him deeply.

Maggie Campion

Maggie is Victor's sister, and their frequent interactions suggest a close but complex sibling bond, with Maggie often acting as a caretaker or moral compass.

Old Mother

Old Mother is likely an elderly relative or servant, and she has a nurturing yet critical relationship with Victor.

Mamma Campion

Mamma is Victor's mother, and she dotes on him, often enabling his bachelor lifestyle while worrying about his future.

Maggie Campion

Maggie is Victor's sister, and their frequent interactions suggest a close but complex sibling bond, with Maggie often acting as a caretaker or moral compass.

Lucy Hawthorn

Lucy is a romantic interest of Victor, and their interactions are charged with flirtation and unfulfilled promise.

The Perennial Bachelor

Mentioned as a fellow observer of life, possibly sharing similar sentiments.

II

A wealthy Harvard graduate who marries Margaret Southmayd. He is loving but gives up trying to improve her mind or share his active interests.

III

The newborn son, born at the moment of Papa's death.

IV

Baby Victor is the focus of the chapter, with his first sneeze, smile, and christening described.

V

A baby during his first summer, he grows stronger and becomes the focus of Mamma's attention.

VI

The youngest, sits with Maggie in Sunday school, weeps when not allowed to be the elephant, and is described as delicate.

VII

Begins his first day of school, feeling proud of his new clothes but overwhelmed by the other boys' teasing, leading him to run away home.

VIII

Still a boy, he races along the shore and plays with a dead crab, showing his youthful energy.

IX

Experiences the joy of Christmas but feels uneasy and dislikes Mr. Lacey's teasing, wishing he would leave.

X

Victor hides in the parlor window seat after a morning of fishing, having disobeyed rules.

XI

Violently opposes Mamma's engagement, throwing a tantrum and forcing her to break it off.

XII

Teases May about having a beau, chanting 'May's got a beau' and causing her to cry.

XIII

Excited about fireworks and archery, showing off on the porch railing, and enjoying the summer activities.

XIV

Pleased with the engagement, hoping to use Edward's bicycle.

XV

Hides in the wagon-shed to avoid hearing Mamma's screams, comforted by his puppy Bundle.

XVI

Shown as a needy child, homesick and frightened, requiring Maggie's care. His presence is a significant pull on Maggie's emotions and decisions.

XVII

Victor is at Harvard, experiencing homesickness and loneliness but eventually adapting and making friends.

XVIII

Returns home from Harvard, meets Lucy, and decides to stay to care for his sisters and estate.

XIX

Embarrassed by his family's provincial gestures, he feels out of place in New York and at the Hawthorn's grand home. He returns home early, seeking the comfort of his family.

XX

Deeply in love with Lucy, writes her a heartfelt letter, and waits anxiously for her replies.

XXI

Working in a real estate office, pining for Lucy, and devastated by her engagement to a French count.

XXII

Serves as an usher at the wedding, looking handsome in his slightly-too-big coat.

XXIII

Observes May's behavior at the ball, noting her flirtation with A. J.

XXIV

Returns home, flirts with Daisy Blow, and is the guest of honor at a party planned by his sisters.

XXV

Plays tennis with Daisy and May, imitates Mr. Robinson, and is mentioned in society columns.

XXVI

Now a popular bachelor, attending social events and bringing life to the household.

XXVII

Rehearses for the 'Bachelor's Revery' and returns home to learn of May's suicide.

XXVIII

Mentioned in autograph book entries and seen at the housewarming as a guest.

XXIX

Victor is seen as a spoiled, aging bachelor who finds comfort and renewal in his sister's devoted care, contrasting with his social awkwardness.

The Diagnosis

Busy with war committees and patriotic events, feeling important until peace arrives.

XXXI

Victor is present at Maggie's bedside, distraught and pleading with her not to die.

XXXII

Writes to Lucy, travels to New York to see her, is disappointed by her appearance, returns home.

XXXIII

Victor struggles against aging, attempting exercises and cold baths, but his efforts wane.