# J. A. Lamb — Alice Adams character guide

> J. A. Lamb in Alice Adams by Booth Tarkington.

**Role:** minor

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

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Who they are

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

## In the story

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

J.A. Lamb visits Virgil Adams, reassuring him that his job is secure and encouraging him to take his time recovering. He speaks warmly and leaves a positive impression on Alice.

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

Blamed by Mrs. Adams for the family's suffering due to Virgil's lowly position as his clerk.

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

The great man who hired Adams and Campbell to develop the glue formula but later lost interest, leaving the formula unused.

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

Receives Virgil's letter but gives no immediate response, reading it slowly and then rereading it in silence.

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

The former employer whose glue process Virgil took; seen by Virgil in his car but does not notice him.

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

Mentioned as the great J.A. Lamb, whose trust in Virgil Adams is now questioned.

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

J. A. Lamb appears at the factory with a sign announcing his takeover of the building, and confronts Virgil about the debt.

## Links

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