Richard Cory is the envy of the town for a number of reasons. First, he is very good looking ("a gentleman from sole to crown"), handsome, and "imperially slim"—he's even compared to an emperor in this description. He also dresses well but does not go over the top; the speaker says he is "quietly arrayed." Next, Cory also talks to others in a "human" way; he is able to converse with anyone and everyone, yet he only has to say "'Good-morning'" to make girls' hearts race. He must be quite charming as well as good-looking and well-dressed. The speaker even says that Cory "glittered when he walked," figuratively referring to the way Cory's handsomeness and charm seem to set him apart from everyone else.

Further, Cory is "richer than a king" as well as unfailingly well-mannered; he is "admirably schooled in every grace." In short, the people of the town whole-heartedly believe that "he was everything / To make us wish that we were in his place." Cory seems to be the whole package, to have it all, as one might say: good looks and polished manners, he's charming and a good conversationalist, and he has lots of money. It seems that he leads the perfect life. Of course, the townspeople have no idea that he must be lonely or miserable, enough to take his own life.