Clyde Griffiths

Clyde Griffiths is the complex protagonist of the narrative, shaped by his impoverished upbringing as the son of itinerant evangelists. Despite a life marked by rigorous religiosity, Clyde harbors a deep longing for wealth and the material comforts it can provide. At sixteen, he becomes a bellboy in a Kansas City hotel, choosing to indulge himself rather than support his family financially. This self-indulgence extends to his relationship with Hortense Briggs, a shopgirl he attempts to seduce, even as his sister is left destitute and pregnant. Following a disastrous car accident involving a stolen vehicle, Clyde is forced to flee Kansas City.

In Chicago, Clyde encounters his affluent uncle, Samuel Griffiths, who offers him employment at his factory in Lycurgus, New York. Despite the job's insignificance, Clyde becomes despised by his cousin, Gilbert. Ignoring warnings to avoid relationships with factory girls, Clyde befriends Roberta Alden, whom he persuades to become his mistress. Simultaneously, Sondra Finchley, a wealthy young woman, becomes enamored with him, hoping to vex Gilbert. Clyde envisions a future with Sondra, but his dreams are shattered when Roberta becomes pregnant and insists on marriage. Failing to secure an abortion, Clyde contemplates murder, inspired by an article he read in the newspaper. Though Roberta's death was unintended during a boating incident, Clyde is convicted of her murder after a prolonged trial, culminating in his execution.

Roberta Alden

Roberta Alden, a factory worker and daughter of impoverished parents, falls in love with Clyde after meeting him at her workplace. Despite her moral reservations, she succumbs to Clyde's advances and becomes his mistress. Her unplanned pregnancy leads her to demand marriage, even as she recognizes Clyde's waning affection. This confrontation precipitates her tragic accidental death, which Clyde had intended to orchestrate as a murder.

Titus Alden

Titus Alden is Roberta's despondent father, characterized by his impoverished and aimless nature. A farmer by trade, he harbors a desire for vengeance following his daughter's untimely death.

Sondra Finchley

Sondra Finchley, born into affluence, initially seeks to provoke Gilbert by pursuing Clyde. She develops genuine feelings for Clyde, envisioning a future together until his arrest for Roberta's murder disrupts their plans.

Asa Griffiths

Asa Griffiths, Clyde's father, dedicates his life to street evangelism alongside his wife in Kansas City. Despite his sincere efforts, Asa lacks the acumen to navigate the complexities of human nature, leaving him ill-equipped to handle the tragedies that beset his family. His ineffectiveness contrasts with his wife's steadfast determination.

Elvira Griffiths

Elvira Griffiths, Clyde's mother, stands as the family's pillar of strength. Running a mission with her husband, she remains unwavering in her faith and supportive of Clyde, even as doubts linger about his culpability. Her primary concern lies in securing Clyde's spiritual salvation, maintaining her belief in divine benevolence despite her son's grim fate.

Hester (Esta) Griffiths

Hester, or Esta Griffiths, is Clyde's older sister, whose youthful naivete leads her to elope with an actor, resulting in her pregnancy and abandonment. Her plight underscores the family's struggles against societal forces.

Samuel Griffiths

Samuel Griffiths, Clyde's affluent uncle, extends familial support by employing Clyde at his factory in Lycurgus. Although his actions are driven by a sense of duty, they inadvertently set Clyde on a complicated path.

Elizabeth Griffiths

Elizabeth Griffiths, Samuel's wife and Clyde's aunt, fulfills her obligations by inviting Clyde into her social sphere. Despite her obligatory hospitality, her actions contribute to Clyde's integration into their world.

Gilbert Griffiths

Gilbert Griffiths, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth, embodies resentment and pride. He perceives Clyde as a threat to his familial and business standing, fueling tensions within...