# Mr. Hancock — The Tunnel character guide

> Mr. Hancock in The Tunnel by Dorothy M. Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Fancy Mr. Hancock

**First appearance:** 0001-the-tunnel

## Snapshot

A dentist and quiet member of London's scientific inner circle who casually opens a door for Miriam into the lecture halls and enlightened rooms she has only dreamed of.

## Who they are

Mr. Hancock mentions, almost offhand, that he belongs to the science lectures — and Miriam's world tilts. He is at ease among the 'gentle enlightened faces' of the library, in his right place, while she stands at the threshold taking it all in. He is not a romantic figure so much as a conduit: through him, education, class, and the possibility of a different self become briefly tangible.

## In the story

### [The Tunnel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/the-tunnel)

A figure of intellectual and social aspiration for Miriam.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/iii)

Shows his sensitivity to patients and his love for beautiful objects; he and Miriam examine a new Oriental plaque, which accidentally breaks.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/v)

Accompanies Miriam to the lecture, introduces her to Miss Szigmondy, and displays an amused, condescending attitude toward social insincerities.

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

Referred to as 'Hypo' by Alma; meets Miriam at the station and makes clever statements about Alma.

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

Shares a moment of mirth with Miriam, discusses the limitations of dentistry compared to medicine, and is unaware of the deeper changes in Miriam's perspective.

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

Mentioned in the context of Sunday afternoons at his home as part of Miriam's social life.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xi)

Appears preoccupied and distant; makes a rare jest during the conversation, possibly as a rescue or sacrifice to the awkwardness.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xii)

Listens with amusement to Miriam's cycling ordeal and offers to help her practice on his lawn.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xiii)

Stands in laughing admiration of the dental secretary, appearing disarmed by her animation.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xiv)

Present at the theatre outing, with Mrs. Orly leaning across him to speak.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xvi)

Escorts Miriam to the lecture; appears uncomfortable and aware of the social breach caused by their late arrival to dinner with his relatives.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xvii)

Works silently with a disordered expression; shares a moment of tension with Miriam over the visitors.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xix)

Designed the festival for the happiness of his friends, laboring to those ends.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xx)

Abruptly adopts a brusque, official tone with Miriam, causing her distress; appears to have made a deliberate decision to distance himself.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xxi)

The author of the letter, which Miriam perceives as hedging and condescending, attempting to protect her from gossip rather than admitting the true nature of their past.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xxiii)

Reflected as still most real in his practice, with a troubled personal and thought life, despite attachments and possessions.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/chapters/xxiv)

Referenced in a question about greasing his instruments, indicating Miriam's work context.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/characters/hancock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_tunnel_se/characters