Rupert (or Ronald) Eustace Psmith, schoolboy and young man
in
Mike,
Psmith in the City,
Psmith Journalist,
Leave It to Psmith.
Very tall, very thin, with a
solemn face and immaculate clothes; wears a monocle. Was
at Eton, and in the cricket XI, before coming to Sedleigh.
Son of the Smith who used to own Corfby Hall, Lower
Bedford, near Much Middlefold, Shropshire. Decides to add
a silent P to his family name while buying a penny butter-scotch
from a machine in Paddington Station while on his
way to Sedleigh for the first time in Mike: "It seemed to me
that there were so many Smiths in the world that a little
variety might well be introduced." Embraces Socialism on his
arrival at Sedleigh: "You work for the equal distribution of
property, and start by collaring all you can and sitting on it."
Shares a study at Outwood's with Mike Jackson in Mike.
Educated expensively until his father dies, leaving only debts;
supports himself for a time working in his uncle's fish
business. Member of the Drones and the Senior Conservative
Club in Psmith in the City, but remains a practical Socialist of sorts:
"Others are content to talk about the Redistribution of
Property. I go out and do it." Addresses people as "Comrade."
Enters and leaves employ of the New Asiatic Bank in Psmith in the City.
Visiting America with Mike Jackson in Psmith Journalist after their first
year at Cambridge together, becomes sub-editor of Cosy
Moments in New York under Billy Windsor. Named Ronald
in Leave It to Psmith to avoid confusion with Rupert Baxter, whom he
succeeds as Lord Emsworth's secretary, and successfully
courts Eve Halliday. According to PGW based on Rupert
D'Oyly Carte, son of the impresario.
|