Peter Newman
Fictional character · In Event/Horizon
Established identity and circumstances
Peter is Grace’s husband, the editorial director of Inflexion Books, a successful publisher and a former Slade-trained artist. He was born in Berlin in 1929, moved to Frankfurt as an infant, escaped Nazi persecution with his parents in 1939, and grew up in Britain, especially Edinburgh (“Cosmopolitans”; “The Free Press”).
His parents were Jewish by descent but Lutheran by religious identity. His extended family, including both grandmothers, were killed in the Holocaust. His father became a judge and later a theologian.
Desires, pressures and conflicts
Peter wants professional success, artistic recognition and sexual freedom. His marriage to Grace has lasted twelve years, but Grace later reveals that he has a history of infidelity. He appears to treat people and relationships as situations that can be managed.
Agency
Peter:
- joins Grace’s life-drawing group;
- becomes interested in Ginny;
- has an affair with her;
- acquires a flat in the Barbican;
- leaves Grace;
- helps Ginny move out of Ainsworth Street;
- offers Steve professional assistance despite the antagonism between them.
His conduct is clearly exploitative in its effect on Grace and Steve, though he presents himself as sincere and pragmatic.
Voice and distinguishing features
Peter is polished, physically imposing and intellectually capable, but often patronising. He uses professional and social authority to control conversations. His historical disclosures are serious and credible within the narrative, but his self-presentation as a sincere, helpful publisher may also be strategic.
Position at the end of Event/Horizon
Peter has left Grace and is moving in with Ginny. Divorce proceedings are anticipated but not shown. His professional position remains secure, and he retains the ability to offer Steve publishing or editorial work. Steve remains suspicious and angry towards him.