# Fulkerson — A Hazard of New Fortunes character guide > Fulkerson in A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Fulkerson, Mrs. Fulkerson **First appearance:** 0001-a-hazard-of-new-fortunes ## Snapshot An energetic, optimistic magazine promoter who talks March into editing Every Other Week and believes any difficulty can be smoothed over with enough nerve. ## Who they are Fulkerson is the engine of the whole venture: he recruits March, courts Beaton, flatters Dryfoos, and arranges the disastrous dinner that brings Lindau and the magnate under one roof. His buoyant confidence and cynical readiness to improvise make him both indispensable and dangerous. He matters because his cheerful pragmatism keeps the magazine afloat while steadily accumulating the social collisions that will test everyone involved. ## Relationships ### [Colonel Woodburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/colonel_woodburn) _friendship_ Colonel Woodburn is a charming Southern gentleman and friend of Fulkerson, who helps him secure a position at the magazine. ### [Christine Dryfoos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/christine_dryfoos) _social_ Christine and Fulkerson are social acquaintances, with Fulkerson acting as a cheerful but wary go-between for the Dryfoos family. ### [Colonel Woodburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/colonel_woodburn) _friendship_ Colonel Woodburn is a charming Southern gentleman and friend of Fulkerson, who helps him secure a position at the magazine. ### [Christine Dryfoos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/christine_dryfoos) _social_ Christine and Fulkerson are social acquaintances, with Fulkerson acting as a cheerful but wary go-between for the Dryfoos family. ### [Christine Dryfoos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/christine_dryfoos) _social_ Christine and Fulkerson are social acquaintances, with Fulkerson acting as a cheerful but wary go-between for the Dryfoos family. ### [Colonel Woodburn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/colonel_woodburn) _friendship_ Colonel Woodburn is a charming Southern gentleman and friend of Fulkerson, who helps him secure a position at the magazine. ## In the story ### [Part First](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/a-hazard-of-new-fortunes) The energetic and pragmatic entrepreneur who recruits March to edit Every Other Week. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-i) Fulkerson is the syndicate man proposing the magazine; he is persistent, enthusiastic, and values March's taste, conscience, and Western background. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ii) Fulkerson is discussed extensively; he has proposed that March help edit a new cooperative magazine, offering a salary of four thousand dollars. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iii) Fulkerson is mentioned as the one who made the offer to March, proposing that March edit a new magazine in New York. March expresses some skepticism about Fulkerson's judgment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-iv) Referenced as the originator of the magazine offer; his persistent enthusiasm pressures the Marches to decide. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-v) Arrives in person to confirm the magazine offer; reassures Mrs. March about March's abilities; discusses the social aspects of the enterprise. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vi) Referenced as the person whose pocket March's literary ideas would fill. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-vii) Visits the Marches at their hotel, provides new apartment leads, and discusses his work on the magazine. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-ix) Mentioned as a potential source for March to write up New York sights for Every Other Week. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-x) Visits the Marches, offers to help Basil find an apartment, and promises to keep an eye on him. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xi) Narrates Dryfoos's background and reveals that Dryfoos is the 'Angel' funding the magazine; also describes his own role in securing the investment. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-first-xii) Handles publicity for the magazine, generating paragraphs; suggests visiting Dryfoos; accompanies March to the restaurant where Lindau is found. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-iii) Fulkerson visits Beaton's studio to recruit him for Every Other Week, leaving a check and a card. He is enthusiastic and persistent. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-vi) Fulkerson leads the meeting, presenting the magazine's concept and marketing ideas, including the 'Ewig-Weibliche' approach. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-vii) Reassures March about Beaton, suggests hiring Lindau as a translator, and discusses the magazine's plans. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-viii) Arrives with Beaton at the Dryfoos home, bringing his characteristic cheerfulness and easing the tense atmosphere. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-ix) Arrives with Beaton, jokes with the Dryfoos family, and later explains Mrs. Mandel's role to the Marches. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xi) Discusses the magazine's first number with March, proposing outlandish promotional stunts. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiii) Aggressively promotes the magazine, using press contacts and considering Mrs. March for advertising; proud but worried about the quality being too high. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xiv) Reveals the magazine's success, praises Beaton's illustrations, and discusses Colonel Woodburn's manuscript. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-second-xv) Visits the Leightons, jokes about Beaton, and proposes a celebration at their parlor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-i) Enthusiastically plans a series of banquets for Every Other Week's success, but is daunted by Dryfoos's absence and authority. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ii) Attempts to mediate between Dryfoos and March, using humor and flattery to smooth over tensions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-iv) Present at the Leightons', amusing the young ladies and discussing the magazine. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-v) Fulkerson is mentioned as the one who introduced March to Miss Vance and as the financial backer of Every Other Week. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-i) Proposes a magazine venture with Dryfoos's backing, blending humor and self-interest; seeks to leverage Dryfoos's wealth for public appeal. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-iii) Dines with March, discusses the magazine and the social dynamics at the Leightons'. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-iv) Fulkerson manages Beaton by asking the reverse of what he wants, and engages in provocative debates with Lindau about wealth and capitalism. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-v) Arranges the dinner and defends Dryfoos's integrity; struggles with Dryfoos's stubbornness over catering and service details. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vi) Attempts to keep the dinner lighthearted and divert from the political arguments. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-vii) Attempts to mediate between March and Dryfoos, but ultimately prioritizes Dryfoos's ownership over March's principles. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-viii) Acts as mediator, trying to resolve the conflict between March and Dryfoos, and eventually succeeds in getting Dryfoos to apologize. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fourth-ix) Anxious and desperate to resolve the conflict between March and Dryfoos; seeks advice from Beaton and later enlists Miss Woodburn's help. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-i) Radiant with his fortunate love and engagement to Miss Woodburn; March notes a slight diminishment in their friendship due to Fulkerson's earlier reluctance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iii) Enthusiastically follows strike news, proposes articles for Every Other Week, and discusses Lindau and Colonel Woodburn. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-iv) Not present in the chapter; his office is empty when Dryfoos visits. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-vi) Assists with arrangements; is cheerful after leaving the house; informs March about Lindau's amputation. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ix) Fulkerson shares his anxiety about Dryfoos's plans and reflects on Conrad's death and Lindau's condition. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-x) Fulkerson is mentioned as having informed Dryfoos about Lindau's amputation. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xii) Brings Miss Woodburn, Colonel Woodburn, Mrs. Leighton, and Alma to the funeral; runs the magazine temporarily after Conrad's death. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiii) Mentioned as Beaton's business contact; brings notice of Lindau's funeral to Beaton. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xvi) Eagerly welcomes Dryfoos's offer and speculates on the old man's motives. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xviii) Accompanies Marches to see Dryfooses off; becomes co-owner; marries and takes a wedding journey; praised for magnanimity. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/fulkerson - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters