The Stoic (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Theodore Dreiser
- First Published: 1947
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Naturalism
- Time of Work: Early twentieth century
- Setting: New York, London, and Paris
- Genres: Long fiction, Naturalistic literature
- Subjects: Values, New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Twentieth century, New York City, Betrayal, Paris, Adultery, Subways, London, Business or business people, Terminal illness or terminally ill, Wealth, Finance, Estate planning
- Locales: New York, Paris, France, London, England
Characters Discussed
Frank A. Cowperwood, a hard-driving, ambitious financier interested in city transportation systems. Failing socially in Chicago, he tries to gain control of the London underground, at the same time endeavoring to please both his wife and his mistress. He hires an artist, Tollifer, to amuse his wife, while he lives with his mistress. Returning to America, he has an affair with a dancer, Lorna Maris. His ambition is to leave his New York house as a museum and to found a hospital. After his death, his fortune evaporates, and his plans come to nothing. His money never brings him happiness.
Aileen Cowperwood, his second wife, whom he neglects. He hires Tollifer to amuse her.
Berenice Fleming, his mistress. After his death, she develops a sense of humanity and founds the hospital he had planned.
Bruce Tollifer, an artist whom Cowperwood hires to amuse his wife.
Lorna Maris, a dancer with whom Cowperwood has an affair.
Lord Stane, an English financier who becomes interested in Berenice.
Philip Henshaw and
Montague Greaves, English engineers who involve Cowperwood in the London underground system.
Dr. Jefferson James, Cowperwood’s physician and friend. He becomes head of the hospital that Berenice founds.
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