A converse for a theorem of Gallagher

Abstract

Let $G$ be a finite group. Suppose $N$ is a normal subgroup of $G$. Recall that Gallagher's theorem states that if $χ\in {\rm Irr} (G)$ satisfies $χ_N$ is irreducible, then $χβ$ is irreducible and distinct for all $β\in {\rm Irr} (G/N)$. Furthermore, if $θ= χ_N$, then these are all of the irreducible constituents of $θ^G$. We prove that the converse of this theorem holds. We also prove that a partial converse of the Brauer version of this theorem holds. Finally, we prove that an analog of Gallagher's theorem holds for Isaacs' $π$-partial characters and that a partial converse of that theorem is true.