Gerrard Matthew

Gerrard Matthew (or Gerard Matthew, according to some sources) is Mark’s sickly co-worker at JLB Credit and a rival for Dobby’s affections. He is portrayed by Jim Howick.

Names	Gerrard Matthew, Gerard, G-Man (nickname)
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Employee at JLB Credit
Origin	Peep Show Series 4 Episode 2: Conference (20 April 2007)
Alignment	Good
Age	30s
Created By	Andrew O'Connor, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain, David Mitchell, Robert Webb
Height	164 cm (5ft 4in)
Weight	75 kg (165 lbs)
Personality Type	INTP

Appearance

Gerrard has a pale, frail appearance that reflects his ongoing health struggles. His slender frame and slightly hunched posture contribute to an air of vulnerability, while his modest and unassuming style—typically casual shirts and sweaters—matches his understated personality. Gerrard’s physical demeanor often gives the impression of someone uncomfortable in their own skin, yet he carries a quiet earnestness that makes him endearing.

Personality

In terms of personality, Gerrard is kind-hearted, well-meaning, and socially awkward. He is self-deprecating and lacks confidence, which is evident in his hesitant speech and frequent deferential behavior. Despite his timidity, Gerrard shows moments of determination, particularly in his pursuit of Dobby, though his efforts are often undermined by his lack of assertiveness.

Gerrard’s interests in MMORPGs and live-action role-playing highlight his nerdy and niche hobbies, which align with Dobby’s tastes and create a natural connection between them. He is genuinely passionate about his interests and forms bonds over shared activities, although his social ineptitude often limits his interactions.

Though Gerrard is good-natured and considerate, he is also somewhat pitiable. His health issues, lack of romantic experience until later in life, and inability to assert himself socially or romantically paint him as a sympathetic yet tragic character. While he may lack Mark’s sharp wit and manipulative tendencies, his sincerity and quiet optimism make him a stark contrast and, in some ways, a moral counterpoint to Mark’s cynical worldview.

Biography

Gerrard suffers from various health problems, occasionally requiring a nasal tube. He shares several interests with Dobby, including MMORPGs and live-action role-playing, leading to a natural chemistry between them. However, despite his efforts, Dobby ultimately chooses Mark.

A kind-hearted and relatively harmless individual, Gerrard serves as a foil to Mark’s more calculating and neurotic nature. In Series 7, Gerrard and Mark form the "Dobby Club," an uneasy alliance dedicated to breaking Dobby up with her then-boyfriend Simon. Their agreement delays any decision about which of them would pursue a relationship with her, should their scheme succeed.

Gerrard lives with an unseen roommate named Ken in a flat in Balham, South London. He admits to not having been with a woman until the age of 26 (Man Jam), a fact that Mark uses to judge him as socially inferior. Despite this, Gerrard is earnest in his pursuits and genuinely cares for Dobby.

In the first episode of Series 8, Gerrard dies of influenza, exacerbated by his underlying health conditions. Jeremy remarks that his death is "so Gerrard," while Mark bitterly reflects that Gerrard may still be “shitting on him from Heaven.”