An American Tragedy · Character

Bella Griffiths

Clyde's Lycurgus cousin, a pretty, restless seventeen-year-old chafing at her parents' leash and casually blind to the poor relation hovering at the edge of her world.

supporting

Also known as Bella, Arabella, Bella Griffiths

First appearance: book ii

As a supporting figure in An American Tragedy, Bella Griffiths is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The younger, vivacious daughter who bursts in with news about the Finchleys' summer plans and argues with her mother about social freedom.

In the storyChapter IOpen this moment free

See Bella Griffiths in Chapter I Book page

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Bella is the pampered daughter of the wealthy Griffiths household, impatient to be treated as grown and accustomed to her father's indulgence. She moves easily through the Lycurgus society that Clyde can only glimpse, and her offhand remarks about age and freedom expose the gulf between her world and his. Her presence in the novel measures exactly how far Clyde has climbed and how little the climb has actually bought him.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Bella Griffiths sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Bella Griffiths in book ii

Character Web

34 connections

A slice of how Bella Griffiths sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Lycurgus Social Circle
Trial and Defense Team
Extended Cast of Lycurgus and Trial
Factory and Hotel Friends
Lycurgus Socialites and Prosecution

+29 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative 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.

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Relationships

Clyde Griffiths
family · ambivalent
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between… How this plays out →
Clyde Griffiths
family · ambivalent
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between… How this plays out →
Clyde Griffiths
family · ambivalent
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between… How this plays out →

Clyde Griffiths
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between family loyalty and the shame of his actions.
Clyde Griffiths
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between family loyalty and the shame of his actions.
Clyde Griffiths
Bella, Clyde's younger sister, shares a distant familial bond with him, caught between family loyalty and the shame of his actions.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Bella Griffiths in book ii

In the story

Bella Griffiths appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter I
The younger, vivacious daughter who bursts in with news about the Finchleys' summer plans and argues with her mother about social freedom.
II
Curious about Clyde, teases Gilbert about his jealousy.
Chapter VI
Defends Clyde against Gilbert's harsh judgment, noting that her father may have his own reasons for bringing him.
Chapter X
Arrives late with Sondra and Bertine, embodying the carefree wealthy youth that Clyde envies.
Chapter XII
Bella is mentioned as appearing in the parade as a float representing spring.
XXVII
Bella is mentioned as part of the group attending the New Year's Eve party in Schenectady, which will bring news of Clyde's activities to the Griffiths family.
XXVIII
Clyde's cousin; involved in the social outing to Gloversville.
Chapter XXX
Reports Clyde's social activities to her mother, prompting the Griffiths to invite him to Christmas dinner.
XXXII
Mentioned as being driven home after the Amsterdam affair.
Chapter XXXIX
Mentioned as Clyde's cousin, part of the social circle that accepts him.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bella Griffiths unlock in the free preview.

See Bella Griffiths in book ii

See Bella Griffiths in Chapter I