Companion

Character Role Analysis

Colonel Pickering

Think of Pickering as the good cop to Higgins's bad cop—not that Higgins is really bad, but Pickering definitely represents the softer side of their dynamic linguistic duo.

They both help to educate Eliza, but Pickering contributes in a less traditional way. As Eliza tells him, he helps her feel like a lady for the first time. This isn't to say that Pickering is totally different from Higgins. He can get caught up in the task just as easily – and sometimes he treats Eliza more like a plaything than a human being. He really is Higgins's bachelor-in-arms, and the two men are better off for their collaboration.