Jonathan Brockett

Stephen Gordon

Jonathan is Stephen's witty, loyal friend and fellow invert, who introduces her to Parisian queer society.

Puddle

Jonathan and Puddle share a mutual care for Stephen and become allies in supporting her.

Stephen Gordon

Jonathan is Stephen's witty, loyal friend and fellow invert, who introduces her to Parisian queer society.

Stephen Gordon

Jonathan is Stephen's witty, loyal friend and fellow invert, who introduces her to Parisian queer society.

I

A playwright who renews his acquaintance with Stephen; displays sharp, inquisitive manners and shows unexpected empathy upon learning of Raftery's death.

II

Brockett arrives late, laden with food parcels, and behaves in a foolish, aggressive mood, dressing up in the maid's cap and apron.

III

Eats heartily, delivers a frank assessment of Stephen's literary decline, and advises her to travel abroad.

IV

Mentioned as having left after a queer revelation; his moods are described as kaleidoscopic.

V

Stephen recalls Brockett's suggestion to leave England and reflects on his clever, spying nature.

I

Recommended the hotel; arranges flowers and cigarettes; visits from London; takes Stephen and Puddle to lunch at Versailles; praises Paris ardently; tries to get Stephen to confide about love; becomes irritable over the bill but leaves a large tip.

II

Acts as a skilled and imaginative guide, using the history of Versailles to subtly address themes of hidden love and pretense, and watches Stephen's reactions closely.

III

Brockett is fascinated by Stephen's abnormality and wishes to keep her in Paris, though his pity is unreliable.

IV

Arranges the meeting with Valérie Seymour; babbles excitedly about her life and character, displaying effeminate mannerisms that Stephen hates.

V

Brockett accompanies Stephen to Valérie's flat, gossips, and tries to showcase Stephen's talents.

VI

Brockett is mentioned as being at his worst during the meeting, with his environment going to his head.

I

Finds Stephen an architect and then departs abruptly for the Austrian Tyrol to write plays.

I

Brockett is in London busy with his plays, writing seldom but cordially.

V

Mentioned as being in America on business.

II

Enlists despite his effeminate nature; writes to Stephen about his decision.

V

Sends cheerful letters from Mesopotamia, requesting sweets, soap, and hair-wash.

III

Writes a letter to Stephen, teasing her about her unsociability and urging her to contact Valérie Seymour.

II

Brockett is mentioned as having taken Stephen to Lapérouse and having taught her Paris, for which Stephen feels grateful.

II

Visits Stephen, meets Mary, and offers his discreet support.

III

Lunches with Stephen and Mary at his flat; his manner remains guarded.

II

Occasionally visits but focuses entirely on Stephen, not spending much time with Mary.

V

Brockett brings flowers and delivers a frank warning to Stephen about Mary's loneliness.

VII

Acts as an intermediary, having seen Valérie and prompting her invitation.

I

Present at the reception; playfully asks Stephen to get him an ice-vanilla.

III

Tells Mary that Stephen is considered the coming writer and Valérie Seymour's lion.

I

Mentioned as one of the few friends Stephen and Mary had initially in Paris.

II

Mentioned as one of the invited guests for the evening.

III

Sulky after being snubbed by Stephen; prying and cynical; watches the dancers with cold observation.