An American Tragedy · Character
Asa Griffiths
Clyde's father, a devout mission preacher whose threadbare faith and shuffling indecision stand in quiet contrast to his wife's harder, more embittered piety.
supporting
Also known as Asa, Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Asa Griffiths
First appearance: Book I
As a supporting figure in An American Tragedy, Asa Griffiths is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Clyde's father, a poor and devout street preacher who struggles to support his family.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Asa Griffiths runs a Kansas City mission with his wife, raising Clyde and three other children in a world of hymns, handouts, and chronic want. When his daughter Esta's scandal breaks, he paces and mutters 'Tst! Tst!'…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Asa Griffiths sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Asa Griffiths in Book ICharacter Web
6 connectionsA slice of how Asa Griffiths sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Extended Cast of Lycurgus and Trial
- Trial and Defense Team
- Factory and Hotel Acquaintances
+1 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Clyde, isolated in the death house, is forced…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Asa Griffiths appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Asa Griffiths unlock in the free preview.
See Asa Griffiths in Book I