The World Set Free · Character

Fowler

An American journalist whose commentary frames how the atomic catastrophe shook men out of old habits of thought and lightly held beliefs.

supporting

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in The World Set Free, Fowler is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The tall Englishman (Earl of Delhi) who is troubled by conflicting ideas and tries to draw Dubois's attention.

In the story§ IIOpen this moment free

See Fowler in § II Book page

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

With Marcus Karenin (friendship): Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the future of society and science. With The Woman at the Window (social): Fowler and The Woman at the Window are acquaintances who share brief, enigmatic encounters in social settings. With Gardener (friendship): Fowler and the Gardener share a bond over their love of nature and simple living, often meeting for quiet conversations.

Continue beside the text

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

See Fowler in i

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Fowler sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

Barnet's social and historical contacts
Protagonist
Atomic scientists and associates

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Karenin, facing his own mortality, delivers a…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Marcus Karenin
friendship · positive
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the… How this plays out →
The Woman at the Window
social · ambivalent
Gardener
friendship · positive
Marcus Karenin
friendship · positive
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the… How this plays out →
Marcus Karenin
friendship · positive
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the… How this plays out →
The Woman at the Window
social · ambivalent
Gardener
friendship · positive

Marcus Karenin
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the future of society and science.
The Woman at the Window
Fowler and The Woman at the Window are acquaintances who share brief, enigmatic encounters in social settings.
Gardener
Fowler and the Gardener share a bond over their love of nature and simple living, often meeting for quiet conversations.
Marcus Karenin
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the future of society and science.
Marcus Karenin
Fowler and Marcus Karenin share a deep intellectual camaraderie, often debating the future of society and science.
The Woman at the Window
Fowler and The Woman at the Window are acquaintances who share brief, enigmatic encounters in social settings.
Gardener
Fowler and the Gardener share a bond over their love of nature and simple living, often meeting for quiet conversations.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Fowler in i

In the story

Fowler appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

§ II
The tall Englishman (Earl of Delhi) who is troubled by conflicting ideas and tries to draw Dubois's attention.
§ III
The bomb-thrower, a gaunt, less imaginative man who handles the atomic bombs and ultimately dies in the explosion.
The Last Days of Marcus Karenin
Surgeon who will perform Karenin's operation; discusses scientific possibilities with him.
§ II
The surgeon who will operate on Karenin, discussing the balance between scientific devotion and the need for personal, passionate life.
§ VIII
Confirms Karenin's speculations about future scientific developments, including work on fatigue removal and heredity by Tchen.
§ IX
Surgeon who will perform Karenin's operation; addressed directly by Karenin.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Fowler in i

See Fowler in § II