Jeeves Takes Charge

by P. G. Wodehouse

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Aunt Agatha

Though Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha doesn't make a physical appearance in "Jeeves Takes Charge," Bertie’s account of her suggests she disapproves of him. Early in the story, Bertie notes that Aunt Agatha believes he relies too heavily on Jeeves, even referring to the butler as Bertie's "keeper." When Florence finds out Bertie failed to stop Uncle Willoughby’s book from reaching the publisher, she ends their engagement and tells Bertie that Aunt Agatha advised her against marrying him.

Mr. Berkeley

Mr. Berkeley is a character who never appears, having left Sir Willoughby’s estate prior to Bertie's arrival. Edwin persuades Sir Willoughby to pretend that Mr. Berkeley left a cigarette case in Bertie's room, using it as a pretext to search for the missing book.

Edwin Craye

Edwin is Florence’s cunning 14-year-old brother. A mischievous tattle-tale, he pretends to be innocent while causing trouble for Bertie throughout the tale. Bertie describes him as a "ferret-faced kid" whom he has disliked since birth. Nine years earlier, Edwin led Lord Worplesdon to where Bertie was secretly smoking a cigar, resulting in "unpleasantness." Bertie suggests to Florence that Edwin would be an ideal suspect for the theft, but she dismisses the idea. Ever the dedicated Boy Scout, Edwin uses black polish on Bertie's brown shoes and catches Bertie trying to hide the stolen manuscript. Edwin nearly costs Bertie his inheritance by attempting to convince Sir Willoughby that the book is hidden in Bertie's room.

Florence Craye

Florence Craye is Bertie’s demanding and pretentious fiancée. Bertie has known her family since childhood. She forces him to read dull philosophical works in an attempt to "mold" him to her liking. While staying with Bertie's uncle, Sir Willoughby, she is appalled when he reads his memoirs to her, as they recount the wild, drunken antics of her father, Lord Worplesdon, during his youth. Worried about her family's reputation, she coerces Bertie into stealing the manuscript before it can be sent to the publisher. In the end, Jeeves foils both her plan and her engagement to Bertie.

Lord Emsworth

Lord Emsworth is among the individuals Florence believes will be scandalized by being mentioned in Sir Willoughby’s memoirs.

Lady Florence

See Florence Craye

Aubrey Fothergill

Aubrey Fothergill is Bertie’s friend who does not appear in the story. At the story's outset, Bertie declares that, unlike Aubrey, he will not allow his valet to control his life. Ironically, he eventually ends up like Aubrey, letting Jeeves take the reins. Sir Stanley Gervase-Gervase is another individual Sir Willoughby gossips about in his memoirs.

Jeeves

Jeeves is the clever and witty butler at the center of the story. Bertie Wooster hires him after discovering his previous butler, Meadowes, was pilfering socks. Narrating the events in hindsight, Bertie acknowledges Jeeves’ brilliance, stating, “From the collar upward he stands alone.” Jeeves seems to have an innate understanding of Bertie's needs, demonstrated when he promptly prepares a hangover remedy without being asked. Although Jeeves may not always voice his disapproval of Bertie's actions, his tone and demeanor convey his feelings. Initially, Bertie is wary and rebellious, but Jeeves rescues him twice within the tale. First, he discreetly removes Sir Willoughby's manuscript from Bertie's drawer to prevent a scandal, safeguarding Bertie's inheritance. Then, he goes against Lady Florence’s wishes by mailing the manuscript. When Florence calls off the engagement, Bertie dismisses Jeeves, unaware that Jeeves has spared him from an unhappy marriage. After some reflection, Bertie rehires Jeeves, ultimately yielding to the same instinct that guides his friend Aubrey, allowing Jeeves to take the reins and gracefully relinquishing the suit Jeeves had already disposed of.

(This entire section contains 1077 words.)

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Jeeves is the clever and witty butler at the center of the story. Bertie Wooster hires him after discovering his previous butler, Meadowes, was pilfering socks. Narrating the events in hindsight, Bertie acknowledges Jeeves’ brilliance, stating, “From the collar upward he stands alone.” Jeeves seems to have an innate understanding of Bertie's needs, demonstrated when he promptly prepares a hangover remedy without being asked. Although Jeeves may not always voice his disapproval of Bertie's actions, his tone and demeanor convey his feelings. Initially, Bertie is wary and rebellious, but Jeeves rescues him twice within the tale. First, he discreetly removes Sir Willoughby's manuscript from Bertie's drawer to prevent a scandal, safeguarding Bertie's inheritance. Then, he goes against Lady Florence’s wishes by mailing the manuscript. When Florence calls off the engagement, Bertie dismisses Jeeves, unaware that Jeeves has spared him from an unhappy marriage. After some reflection, Bertie rehires Jeeves, ultimately yielding to the same instinct that guides his friend Aubrey, allowing Jeeves to take the reins and gracefully relinquishing the suit Jeeves had already disposed of.

Meadowes

Meadowes is the dishonest butler whom Jeeves replaces. Bertie fires him after catching him in the act of stealing socks. Bertie attempts to accuse him of taking his uncle's missing book, but Sir Willoughby notes that Meadowes had already left by the time the book vanished.

Oakshott

Oakshott serves as the butler for Sir Willoughby.

Sir Willoughby

See Uncle Willoughby

Uncle Willoughby

Bertie Wooster relies financially on his uncle, Sir Willoughby. The elder Wooster is determined to publish his memoirs, "Recollections of a Long Life." The tales reveal that he and his companions, now respectable gentlemen, were once quite unruly. Lady Florence is appalled by these stories and devises a plan for Bertie to reluctantly steal the manuscript. Her mischievous brother Edwin sees Bertie with the book and reports it to Sir Willoughby. Initially doubtful, Sir Willoughby is persuaded by Edwin to search Bertie’s room. However, Jeeves discreetly removes the manuscript before Sir Willoughby can find it and sends it to the publisher.

Bertie Wooster

Bertie Wooster is the charming yet inept narrator of "Jeeves Takes Charge." He is a young man from the leisure class, financially reliant on his Uncle Willoughby. This story introduces readers to his exceptional butler, Jeeves. Bertie confesses right from the start that he has become utterly dependent on his valet. Jeeves quickly demonstrates his brilliance by rescuing Bertie from his fiancée Florence and her absurd plans. Bertie seems unaware of what Jeeves immediately discerns: Florence is manipulative. She is a snob who forces him to read dull philosophy that confounds him and puts him in a tough spot by demanding he steal his uncle’s manuscript. Despite knowing the risk of financial disaster if caught, Bertie foolishly agrees to her scheme. Bertie is not only defenseless against Florence; he is also troubled by her cunning younger brother, Edwin. The boy leads Sir Willoughby to the crime scene, but Jeeves removes the evidence before they arrive. Bertie’s admiration turns sour when Florence ends their engagement after the manuscript is published despite his efforts. Jeeves, of course, knew that publishing the manuscript was in Bertie's best interests. Bertie fires Jeeves but eventually realizes Jeeves was correct. Though somewhat dim, Bertie is humble enough to acknowledge his reliance on Jeeves.

Lord Worplesdon

Lord Worplesdon is the quirky father of Florence and Edwin Craye. Sir Willoughby recounts his youthful friendship with Lord Worplesdon in his "Recollections of a Long Life." Florence is appalled by the revelation that her father, after drinking a quart and a half of champagne, and Sir Willoughby were expelled from a music hall in 1887. This incident leads to the theft of Sir Willoughby’s manuscript. Bertie mentions that a few years after the story's events, Lord Worplesdon abandons his family for France after indulging in too many eggs.

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