# Dr. Berwick — The Story of Ivy character guide

> Dr. Berwick in The Story of Ivy by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Berwick, Dear Dr. Berwick

**First appearance:** 0005-v

## Snapshot

A blunt, conscientious physician whose growing suspicion about Jervis Lexton's baffling illness puts him on a quiet collision course with the patient's charming wife.

## Who they are

Dr. Berwick takes over the care of the ailing Jervis Lexton and is at first inclined to dismiss the case as a passing ailment, but as his patient worsens he begins to entertain a suspicion too serious to voice aloud. He dislikes Nurse Bradfield, distrusts Ivy's easy charm, and recommends a second opinion rather than speak his fear. His professional unease becomes the reader's first signal that something deliberate may be at work in the Lexton flat.

## Relationships

### [Ivy Lexton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/ivy_lexton)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick is Ivy's physician, treating her with clinical detachment but genuine concern for her health.

### [Roger Gretorex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/roger_gretorex)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Roger interact as doctor and patient or colleague, with a clinical and respectful tone.

### [Nurse Bradfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/nurse_bradfield)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Nurse Bradfield work together as medical colleagues, coordinating Ivy's treatment.

### [Ivy Lexton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/ivy_lexton)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick is Ivy's physician, treating her with clinical detachment but genuine concern for her health.

### [Ivy Lexton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/ivy_lexton)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick is Ivy's physician, treating her with clinical detachment but genuine concern for her health.

### [Nurse Bradfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/nurse_bradfield)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Nurse Bradfield work together as medical colleagues, coordinating Ivy's treatment.

### [Roger Gretorex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/roger_gretorex)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Roger interact as doctor and patient or colleague, with a clinical and respectful tone.

### [Roger Gretorex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/roger_gretorex)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Roger interact as doctor and patient or colleague, with a clinical and respectful tone.

### [Nurse Bradfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/nurse_bradfield)

_professional_

Dr. Berwick and Nurse Bradfield work together as medical colleagues, coordinating Ivy's treatment.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vi)

Takes over Dr. Lancaster's patients; angry at Gretorex's interference; finds Gretorex's letter to Ivy and discusses it with his wife.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/vii)

Dr. Berwick is the hard-faced, cold-mannered doctor who is away for the night, allowing Ivy to avoid his scrutiny.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/viii)

Dr. Berwick is the attending physician who insists on a postmortem to determine the cause of Jervis's death. He is sympathetic yet suspicious, questioning Ivy about visitors and her relationship with Dr. Gretorex.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/ix)

Gretorex recalls Berwick as a 'damned offensive fellow' and a blackguard who made love to a patient's wife.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/x)

Attended Jervis Lexton; expressed belief in Ivy's innocence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters/dr_berwick
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/characters