Secondary Characters in "Keeping it from Harold"
Bill and Jane Bramble's Friends
Percy the Waiter
Percy plays a crucial supporting role as Bill's confidant and fellow boxing enthusiast. His character serves multiple purposes:
- Acts as a sounding board for Bill's concerns about Harold
- Provides comic relief through his exaggerated mannerisms
- Represents the working-class perspective on the situation
When Percy discusses Harold's potential reaction to Bill's boxing career, his dialogue reveals the class divide:
"What I mean to say is, what's the matter with being a fighter? Look at all the champions what started low!"
Mrs. Porter
As the neighborhood gossip, Mrs. Porter serves as:
- A catalyst for conflict
- A representation of societal judgment
- A source of pressure on the Brambles
Mrs. Porter's presence highlights the social pressures the family faces in maintaining their facade of respectability.
The Boxing Community
Jerry Fisher
As Bill's manager, Jerry Fisher represents:
- The professional boxing world
- The conflict between Bill's two lives
- A practical voice of reason
Jerry's pragmatic approach is evident when he says:
"Bill, you're throwing away good money. The public wants you. You're a drawing card."
Young Porky Dugan
Though never physically present in the story, Young Porky Dugan serves as:
