# Alvin Belknap — An American Tragedy character guide > Alvin Belknap in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Belknap, Mr. Belknap, Alvin, one Hon. Alvin Belknap **First appearance:** 0068-book-iii ## Snapshot A polished Lycurgus attorney retained by the Griffiths family to defend Clyde, whose courtroom composure and careful jury selection mask the difficulty of the case. ## Who they are Belknap is the respectable face of Clyde's defense, a man whose local standing and legal caution are meant to offset Mason's fireworks. He counsels Clyde to sit straight and appear at ease before the writers and sketch artists, and he spends five grinding days helping pick a jury he knows is already half-convinced of guilt. His partnership with the sharper Jephson defines the defense's strategy and its limits. ## Relationships ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Alvin Belknap, a skilled lawyer, joins Jephson as co-counsel for Clyde's defense, bringing legal expertise and a more pragmatic approach. ### [Reuben Jephson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Alvin Belknap, a skilled lawyer, joins Jephson as co-counsel for Clyde's defense, bringing legal expertise and a more pragmatic approach. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Alvin Belknap, a skilled lawyer, joins Jephson as co-counsel for Clyde's defense, bringing legal expertise and a more pragmatic approach. ### [Reuben Jephson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ### [Reuben Jephson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ## In the story ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-iii) One of Clyde's defense attorneys. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiv) Local lawyer recommended by Kellogg; interviews Clyde and decides to take his case, advising him to appear innocent and cheerful. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) Belknap is one of Clyde's defense attorneys, discussing strategy with Jephson and expressing doubt about Clyde's guilt. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) Defense attorney who collaborates with Jephson to craft Clyde's legal strategy. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvii) Defense attorney; debates the need to bring Clyde's parents to testify; issues preliminary statements attacking Mason's motives. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xviii) Co-counsel for Clyde, working with Jephson to manage the defense and public relations. ### [The Trial Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix) One of Clyde's defense attorneys, coaching Clyde on his demeanor. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xx) One of Clyde's defense attorneys, present in court during the opening statement. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxi) One of Clyde's defense attorneys, objecting frequently to Mason's evidence and tactics. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) One of Clyde's defense lawyers, who objects to the introduction of certain evidence. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiii) Delivers the opening address for the defense, arguing that Clyde is not a murderer but a victim of circumstance and moral cowardice. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) Noted as taking an exception when the judge sustains an objection. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) One of Clyde's defense attorneys, who objects to Mason's phrasing during the trial. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvi) Clyde's defense attorney, who delivers a final plea for acquittal based on circumstantial evidence. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvii) Belknap and Jephson consider appealing the case and discuss the need for funds, deciding to wire Mrs. Griffiths. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxviii) Meets with Elvira Griffiths; expresses doubt about her faith but agrees to help with the appeal. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxix) Mentioned as one of Clyde's lawyers who encouraged Elvira before her visit. ### [Chapter: XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx) Belknap advises Mrs. Griffiths to return to her husband, assuring her that Clyde's legal interests will be protected. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiv) Belknap, along with Jephson, made preliminary efforts to obtain a commutation of Clyde's sentence. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/alvin_belknap - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters