# Waiter — You Never Can Tell character guide

> Waiter in You Never Can Tell by George Bernard Shaw.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Waiter Mr. McComas, Waiter Smiling, Waiter Entering, Waiter Serving Gloria, Waiter Delicately, Waiter Cheerfully, Waiter Brokenly, Waiter Pleading, Valentine Waiter, I. Waiter Brokenly

**First appearance:** 0000-you-never-can-tell

## Snapshot

A philosophical waiter who has learned that simple faith leaves you as short as Norman blood, William observes the Clandons with wry, self-deprecating wisdom.

## Who they are

William, whose real name is Walter, serves the seaside hotel with a waiter's sharpened wits and a running commentary on the guests who mistake him for Shakespeare's bust or their own fathers. He is also Mr. Bohun's father, a fact he would rather keep off his professional footing, since being a gentleman's parent on the top of a false nose strikes him as a great disadvantage. His cheerful, unflappable presence anchors the hotel scenes and gives the family drama its comic and humane counterweight.

## Relationships

### [Gloria Clandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se/characters/gloria_clandon)

_social_

A courteous but distant service relationship, with Gloria treating the waiter with polite formality.

### [William](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se/characters/william)

_social_

A polite service relationship, with the waiter attending to William's needs with professional deference.

### [Mr. Crampton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se/characters/mr_crampton)

_social_

A strained and irritable service relationship, with Crampton often snapping at the waiter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se/characters/waiter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/you_never_can_tell_se/characters