The Walls of Jericho · Character

Henry Patmore

A physically imposing man whose carefully built reputation for hardness masks a fear of being seen as soft, especially by the woman who sees through him.

supporting

Also known as Patmore, Mr. Henry Patmore, Mr. Patmore

First appearance: The Walls of Jericho

As a supporting figure in The Walls of Jericho, Henry Patmore is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The proprietor of the pool parlor where the chapter's events take place.

In the storyThe Walls of JerichoOpen this moment free

See Henry Patmore in The Walls of Jericho Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Patmore moves through Harlem as a man others step around, his size and temper doing the work of a reputation he never has to fully earn. When Linda invokes Father Tod's sermon on Jericho, she names the wall around him: not cruelty but fear, a terror of being found out as someone who could be hurt and could love. That confrontation—his silence, her tears, the accusation that he plays safe by making her quote Scripture—sets the emotional stakes for his arc, forcing him to choose between the hard shell and the person it protects.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Henry Patmore sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Henry Patmore in The Walls of Jericho

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the protagonist’s interna…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

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

The Walls of Jericho
The proprietor of the pool parlor where the chapter's events take place.
I
Owner of the pool parlor; mentioned as a respected figure in the community, though not present in the scene.
III
The bar owner who holds a grudge against Merrit and tries to use Shine to get revenge by selling liquor to him.
VIII
A self-assured ladies' man, he calculates his approach to Linda, using his status as a costume contest judge to gain her interest and secure her contact information.
XIII
Saunters up to inquire about Shine's whereabouts, showing interest in Shine's activities.
XIV
Patmore is the subject of the conversation; his actions at the casino are recounted, revealing his predatory behavior.
XVIII
The manager of the pool parlor, he breaks up the fight and locks Jinx and Bubber in the cellar. He later discovers the cause of Jinx's condition is a bottle of whiskey.
XXIII
Patmore is the antagonist, drunk and frantic, who confesses to arson and assault by reaching for his gun. He is nearly killed by Shine.
Chapter XXIV
Implicitly the arsonist, though not present in the chapter; his actions are discussed.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Henry Patmore unlock in the free preview.

See Henry Patmore in The Walls of Jericho