====== Michael Gillen ======

Gillen was Estus's publisher prior to his retirement. A keen amateur actor, it was Gillen who introduced his companion and rumoured lover [[Talbot Estus]] to **//'The Group'//**. Gillen is 61, grey-haired, but well-preserved despite a little rheumatism that necessitates the use of a cane.

Brought up and educated in Dublin, Gillen lived for 30 years in New York City where he worked for Doubleday, Doran & Co.

A few years ago, Gillen consulted [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett|Dr Bartlett]] for personal reasons, and now his concern for the mental health of [[Talbot Estus]] leads him to invite Bartlett to the premiere of the play, to make an informal assessment of his dear friend.

In the play [[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]], Michael plays [[The Stranger]].

Driven away by Talbot's erratic behaviour, Gillen was absent when his friend hanged himself, though he immediately returned to organise the funeral.