Those Barren Leaves · Character

Mr. Calamy

A thoughtful young man whose metaphysical brooding about the modes of existence makes him irresistible to Mary Thriplow and elusive to everyone else.

major

Also known as Calamy, Dear Calamy, Poor Calamy

First appearance: Part I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’s

As a major figure in Those Barren Leaves, Mr. Calamy is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Attends the evening, noted for his contemplative demeanor.

In the storyPart I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’sOpen this moment free

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Calamy can lose himself in wondering how a hand exists in so many different ways, until solid things vanish and the ground seems to split with abysses. Mary loves him with a fierceness that bites and cajoles, while he remains half-detached, more at home in his own speculations than in her need. His inwardness gives the novel its philosophical undertow, a counterweight to the villa's chatter about art and appetite.

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See Mr. Calamy in Part I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’s

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Villa guests and romantics
Protagonist

+11 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 protagonist’s intellectual reverie about democratic ideals and his own unworthiness is vi…

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In the story

Mr. Calamy appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’s
Attends the evening, noted for his contemplative demeanor.
I
Arrives as a handsome, confident young man who has rejected his former smart, worldly life and now values genuineness and obscurity.
II
Arrives at the palace and is shown around by Miss Thriplow before Mrs. Aldwinkle returns and takes over the tour.
III
Mentioned as the new arrival occupying the place of honour on Mrs. Aldwinkle's right.
IV
Agrees with Mrs. Aldwinkle as a labor-saving device, reflects on passion with a sigh, and finds Miss Thriplow perversely attractive.
V
Breaks his silence to offer a contrasting perspective: being misunderstood is preferable to being fully understood, as it protects one's inner self from exposure.
VII
Expresses frustration with his lack of inner freedom and tendency to do what he dislikes; prefers wine to Mrs. Aldwinkle's company.
II
Mentioned briefly as a friend whose opinions on art Chelifer cannot delve into at this point.
II
Strolls with Miss Thriplow on a lower terrace.
III
Struggles with inner conflict between his attraction to Mary Thriplow and a sense that there are more important things beyond the 'noise' of life; kisses her angrily.
XII
The object of Miss Thriplow's fascination; she finds him dangerous and exciting, and he has told her he could wring her neck.
XIII
Lies in bed contemplating the mystery and beauty above him, torn between his spiritual aspirations and his physical desire for Mary Thriplow. He ultimately decides to go to her, despite his better judgment.
Part IV: The Journey
Observes the group's interactions with a detached, philosophical air.
Part V: Conclusions
Features in the resolution, embodying the theme of desire and self-deception.
I
Engages in deep philosophical reflection on the nature of existence, using his hand as a case study; struggles with the tension between his desire for freedom and his involvement with Mary.
II
Has retreated to the mountains to think, staying in a peasant's cottage, causing Mrs. Aldwinkle's distress.
IV
Defends the contemplative path and the exploration of the inner universe; decides to remain alone after Cardan's departure.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Calamy in Part I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’s