Character guide

Alice Adams

major

Also known as Alice, Lady Alicia, Miss Alice

A proud, pretty girl in a shabby house who studies the manners of the rich, hoping charm can buy what her family's fallen fortunes cannot.

Walter Adams

major

Also known as Mr. Adams, Adams, Wallie, poor Walter

The restless son who drifts with fast company and coldly demands money his struggling father doesn't have, dragging the family name down with him.

Mrs. Adams

supporting

Also known as III Mrs. Adams, the tearful Mrs. Adams

Alice's anxious mother, who irons her husband's clothes in the heat and blames herself for every wrong turn her children take.

Arthur Russell

major

Also known as Russell, Mr. Russell, Mr. Arthur Russell

A wealthy, well-mannered young man newly arrived in town, whose polite attention to Alice sets every ambitious mother's calculations spinning.

Virgil Adams

supporting

Also known as Virgil, Adams, Ole Virg Adams, Virg

Alice's father, a worn businessman straining to give his family the standing they crave while his plant and patience both run thin.

Mildred Palmer

supporting

Also known as Mildred, Miss Mildred Palmer, Mildred Palmer, Miss Palmer, Palmer

The town's reigning young socialite, whose parties Alice longs to enter and whose interest in Arthur Russell makes her a quiet rival.

Charley Lohr

minor

Also known as Old Charley Lohr, Lohr, Charley, Old Charley

A local businessman and friend of Walter Adams.

Mr. Lamb

minor

Also known as Lamb, Mister Lamb, old Mister Lamb

A wealthy and influential businessman in the community.

J. A. Lamb

minor

Also known as old J. A. Lamb, Lamb, the great J. A. Lamb

A prominent local figure, possibly related to Mr. Lamb.

Gertrude Collamus

minor

Also known as Gertrude, Miss Gertrude Collamus

A friend or acquaintance of Alice Adams.

Mrs. Dowling

minor

Also known as Dowling, the stricken Dowling, the ruthless Mrs. Dowling

A neighbor or acquaintance of the Adams family.

Frank Dowling

minor

Also known as Mr. Dowling, Frank, Mr. Frank Dowling, Dowling

Husband of Mrs. Dowling, a local man.

Miss Perry

minor

Also known as the demure Miss Perry

A young woman in the social circle.

Henrietta Lamb

minor

Also known as Henrietta, Lamb

A member of the Lamb family.

Harvey Malone

minor

Also known as Harvey, Mr. Harvey Malone, Mr. Malone, Malone, the young Malone

A young man who works for Walter Adams.

Ella Dowling

minor

Also known as Ella, Dowling

Daughter of the Dowlings, a young woman.

Billy Dickson

minor

Also known as Billy, Mr. Will Dickson, Mr. Dickson, Will

A young man in the social circle.

Joe Lamb

minor

Also known as Young Joe Lamb, Joe, Lamb

A younger member of the Lamb family.

Mrs. Palmer

minor

Also known as the stately Mr. Palmer, Palmer, Mr. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer

Mildred's mother, a socially ambitious matron.

Mrs. Lohr

minor

Also known as Lohr

Wife of Charley Lohr.

Mr. Campbell

minor

Also known as Campbell

An acquaintance or business associate.

Alfred Lamb

minor

Also known as Alfred

A younger member of the Lamb family.

Alys Tuttle Adams

minor

Also known as Miss Adams, Miss Alys Tuttle Adams, Alys

A relative or acquaintance of the Adams family.

Malena Burns

minor

Also known as Malena, Miz Malena Burns

A local woman, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Mrs. George Dresser

minor

Also known as Mrs. Dresser, George

A married woman in the community.

Miss Lamb

minor

An unmarried woman of the Lamb family.

Jazz Louie

minor

A musician or entertainer mentioned in passing.

Frincke

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.

Worlig

minor

A minor character, possibly a business associate.