Freddie Miles
Dickie's wealthy friend, whose immediate dislike of Tom becomes dangerous when he sees him living as Dickie.
To protect his friendship with Dickie and expose the man he believes is exploiting it.
The book
At a glance
- American
- Dickie
- Playwriting
- Openly suspicious
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeFreddie is a wealthy American friend of Dickie's who moves easily through the same European world. He is broad, red-haired, confident, and openly skeptical of Tom.
Tom dislikes Freddie because he cannot be impressed by borrowed polish. Where Dickie finds imitation amusing, Freddie sees an intruder trying too hard to belong.
Freddie matters because recognition can happen through ordinary familiarity. He need not solve every detail; he only needs to know that Tom is in Dickie's apartment.
How the book draws them
- Physically broadHis heavy build contrasts with Tom's slighter appearance.
- Red-hairedHis hair is a clear identifying feature.
- Financially secureFamily wealth supports his travel and ambitions.
- Socially confidentHe does not seek Tom's approval.
- Loyal to DickieHis suspicion begins with concern about access to his friend.
- Quick to see the false roleTom's performance fails before someone who knows both men.
Freddie realizes Tom has been occupying Dickie's Rome apartment.
Tom kills him with a heavy marble object. The death draws police attention to Dickie and forces Tom to stop using Dickie's name.
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