# Arthur Russell — Alice Adams character guide

> Arthur Russell in Alice Adams by Booth Tarkington.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0004-v

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Alice Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/alice_adams)

_romantic_

Alice and Arthur are involved in a romantic relationship, marked by social tension and Alice's insecurity about her family's status.

### [Mildred Palmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/mildred_palmer)

_social_

Arthur and Mildred move in the same upper-class social circles, with Mildred pursuing Arthur romantically.

### [Virgil Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/virgil_adams)

_social_

Arthur interacts with Virgil as a potential future father-in-law, with underlying class tensions.

### [Mrs. Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/mrs_adams)

_social_

Arthur interacts with Mrs. Adams as a polite suitor, though he is wary of her social climbing and pretensions.

### [Alice Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/alice_adams)

_romantic_

Alice and Arthur are involved in a romantic relationship, marked by social tension and Alice's insecurity about her family's status.

### [Virgil Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/virgil_adams)

_social_

Arthur interacts with Virgil as a potential future father-in-law, with underlying class tensions.

### [Alice Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/alice_adams)

_romantic_

Alice and Arthur are involved in a romantic relationship, marked by social tension and Alice's insecurity about her family's status.

### [Mrs. Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/mrs_adams)

_social_

Arthur interacts with Mrs. Adams as a polite suitor, though he is wary of her social climbing and pretensions.

### [Mildred Palmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/mildred_palmer)

_social_

Arthur and Mildred move in the same upper-class social circles, with Mildred pursuing Arthur romantically.

### [Mildred Palmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/mildred_palmer)

_social_

Arthur and Mildred move in the same upper-class social circles, with Mildred pursuing Arthur romantically.

### [Virgil Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/virgil_adams)

_social_

Arthur interacts with Virgil as a potential future father-in-law, with underlying class tensions.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as Mildred Palmer's fiancé, seen as perfect and well-off.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/viii)

Dances with Alice at Mildred's request, then goes to find Walter in the cloakroom.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/ix)

Arthur Russell surprises Alice on the street, approaching her from behind and asking to walk with her.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/x)

Arthur Russell walks Alice home, engaging in light-hearted conversation and showing keen appreciation for her vivacity and quickness. He expresses interest in visiting her home and seems increasingly drawn to her, despite his connection to Mildred.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xi)

Arthur Russell is the subject of Alice's practiced expressions and lies; Walter mentions seeing Alice with him downtown.

### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xiv)

Arthur is delighted by Alice's company and coquetry, but remains unaware of her fabrications; he presses her to attend the dance.

### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xv)

Arthur Russell is with Alice when they see Walter on the veranda; his presence causes Alice anxiety.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xvii)

Listens to Alice's explanation about her father and her 'sadly' happy state, showing curiosity and absorption.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xix)

Arthur is the guest of honor for the planned dinner, though he is unaware of the family's struggles and Alice's deceptions.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xx)

Has premonitions about his relationship with Alice; becomes nervous when Virgil Adams is mentioned at the Palmers' luncheon.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xxi)

Listens passively to Mrs. Adams's monologue, responding with brief, uncomfortable words, and appears pale and sweating.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xxii)

Russell appears uncomfortable, pale, and strained throughout the dinner, avoiding Alice's gaze and struggling to maintain composure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters/arthur_russell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/alice_adams_se/characters