# Mr. Calamy — Those Barren Leaves character guide > Mr. Calamy in Those Barren Leaves by Aldous Huxley. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Calamy, Dear Calamy, Poor Calamy **First appearance:** 0000-part-i-an-evening-at-mrs-aldwinkle-s ## Snapshot A thoughtful young man whose metaphysical brooding about the modes of existence makes him irresistible to Mary Thriplow and elusive to everyone else. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [Part I: An Evening at Mrs. Aldwinkle’s](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/part-i-an-evening-at-mrs-aldwinkle-s) Attends the evening, noted for his contemplative demeanor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/i) Arrives as a handsome, confident young man who has rejected his former smart, worldly life and now values genuineness and obscurity. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii) Arrives at the palace and is shown around by Miss Thriplow before Mrs. Aldwinkle returns and takes over the tour. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the new arrival occupying the place of honour on Mrs. Aldwinkle's right. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iv) Agrees with Mrs. Aldwinkle as a labor-saving device, reflects on passion with a sigh, and finds Miss Thriplow perversely attractive. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/vii) Expresses frustration with his lack of inner freedom and tendency to do what he dislikes; prefers wine to Mrs. Aldwinkle's company. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned briefly as a friend whose opinions on art Chelifer cannot delve into at this point. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii) Strolls with Miss Thriplow on a lower terrace. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/part-iv-the-journey) Observes the group's interactions with a detached, philosophical air. ### [Part V: Conclusions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/part-v-conclusions) Features in the resolution, embodying the theme of desire and self-deception. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii) Has retreated to the mountains to think, staying in a peasant's cottage, causing Mrs. Aldwinkle's distress. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iv) Defends the contemplative path and the exploration of the inner universe; decides to remain alone after Cardan's departure. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters/mr_calamy - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters