Those Barren Leaves · Character

Mr. Chelifer

A poet and journalist whose autobiographical fragment cuts into the novel, a self-mocking ironist who drifts from Oxford pieties into Mrs. Aldwinkle's orbit.

supporting

Also known as Chelifer, Francis Chelifer, Francis

First appearance: part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

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

The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his past with bitter irony.

In the storyPart II: Fragments from the Autobiography of Francis CheliferOpen this moment free

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Francis Chelifer narrates his own arrival among Mrs. Aldwinkle's guests, first glimpsing her as a flame-coloured Chinese lantern under a green parasol on the Tyrrhenian Sea. He is a man of resolutions — never to touch another drop — and of oracular self-address, fond of hearing his own voice boom across the flat water. His mother's devotion to poor Grace and his own entanglement with the Aldwinkle circle make him both observer and specimen of the novel's comedy of cultivated idleness.

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See Mr. Chelifer in part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

Character Web

21 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Villa guests and romantics

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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. Chelifer appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part II: Fragments from the Autobiography of Francis Chelifer
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
+14 more

Part II: Fragments from the Autobiography of Francis Chelifer
The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his past with bitter irony.
I
Narrator and protagonist; a writer who affects indifference to literary society, preferring Lady Giblet's salon. He reflects on his encounter with Mrs. Aldwinkle.
II
The narrator and editor of the Rabbit Fanciers' Gazette, reflecting on his job, his poetry, and his philosophical musings.
III
Narrator and protagonist of this chapter; describes his life at Miss Carruthers's boardinghouse as a heroic slide through nothing.
IV
Narrates his childhood memories, including writing poems and a climb with his father.
V
Narrates his past love for Barbara, his wartime service, and his internal conflict between idealization and reality.
VI
Narrates his near-drowning and rescue; reflects on his life and reluctantly accepts Mrs. Aldwinkle's invitation.
VII
Narrator; still weak from his accident, faints again during the tour of the palace.
Part III: The Loves of the Parallels
Chelifer's near drowning and his interactions underscore themes of desire and self-deception.
I
Politely evades Mrs. Aldwinkle's advances, disappearing strategically and deflecting her romantic and intellectual overtures with humor and modesty.
II
Seen walking with Mrs. Aldwinkle on the terrace below.
III
Listens patiently to Mrs. Aldwinkle's self-absorbed monologue while mentally composing a poem titled 'Mythological Incident.'
Mrs. Chelifer's Arrival
Brings his mother to the palace; tries to object but is overruled by Mrs. Aldwinkle.
XI
His arrival freed Irene from Aunt Lilian's artistic demands; Mrs. Aldwinkle is absorbed by her passion for him.
II
Makes a dry remark about the Teatro Metastasio being an admirable place for playing halma.
Chapter III
Delivers a lengthy critique of the bourgeoisie as the degraded, domesticated heart of modern reality, contrasting them with wilder classes.
IV
Remains courteous but indifferent to Mrs. Aldwinkle's advances; mentions plans to find a pension for his mother.
V
Engages in philosophical debate with Mr. Cardan about the Etruscan language and Roman civilization, offering a cynical perspective.
VI
Discusses international English words and the sociology of boredom and spleen in modern society.
VII
Narrates his affair with Miss Masson, describing his boredom, guilt, and detachment.
VIII
Accompanies Hovenden to Rome; recognizes his mother feeding cats in Trajan's Forum.
IV
Argues for the necessity of engaging with the brutish surface of real life; discusses modern civilization's reestablishment of tribalism.

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See Mr. Chelifer in part i an evening at mrs aldwinkle s

See Mr. Chelifer in Part II: Fragments from the Autobiography of Francis Chelifer