Book I
Introduced as a restless youth from a poor family, he takes a job as a bellhop and becomes enamored with wealth and Hortense Briggs.
I
The twelve-year-old eldest son, deeply embarrassed by the street preaching and determined to rebel against it.
Chapter II
Clyde is the central focus, depicted as a vain and ambitious youth who feels trapped by his family's poverty and religious mission, dreaming of a better life and envying the rich.
Chapter III
Broods over Esta's disappearance, curious about life and ashamed of the scandal.
IV
Clyde, now sixteen, is determined to escape his family's poverty and religious constraints. He works as a soda fountain assistant and secretly enjoys theater. He resists moving to Denver and seeks a better job at the Green-Davidson Hotel.
V
Clyde is hired as a bellhop at the Green-Davidson Hotel, experiencing awe and excitement at the prospect of tips and independence.
VI
Begins work as a bellhop at the Green-Davidson Hotel, experiencing a transformative encounter with wealth and luxury.
VII
Begins work as a bellhop at the Green-Davidson, earning over six dollars on his first night. He is thrilled by the money and the luxurious environment, and is fascinated by the other bellhops and their stories.
VIII
Clyde lies to his mother about his tips and hours to keep more money for himself, buys new clothes, and decides to join the other bellhops at a late-night supper, asserting his independence.
IX
Attends the dinner at Frissell's, feeling excited about his new social life but conflicted about the group's plans to visit a brothel.
Chapter X
Clyde is introduced to a brothel by his coworkers; he is nervous, fascinated, and ultimately succumbs to temptation.
Chapter XI
Reflects on his first sexual adventure, feeling both shame and fascination. He begins visiting the Ratterer home and becomes infatuated with Hortense Briggs.
Chapter XII
Deeply infatuated with Hortense, he dresses elaborately for their date and feels both thrilled and tormented by her teasing and flirtatious behavior.
Chapter XIII
Discovers his sister Esta's predicament and feels a mix of shame, sympathy, and confusion about his family's situation.
Chapter XIV
Becomes more preoccupied with Hortense Briggs and the problem of the sexes; his attitude toward his sister Esta hardens as he rationalizes his own desires.
XV
Agrees to help Hortense buy a coat, borrowing money and hoping for sexual reward.
Chapter XVI
Lies to his mother about having money, prioritizing his pursuit of Hortense over helping his pregnant sister Esta.
Chapter XVII
Clyde is anxious about the stolen car but drawn by the chance to be with Hortense. He becomes jealous when Hortense dances with Sparser.
Chapter XVIII
Jealous and emotionally vulnerable, Clyde confronts Hortense about flirting with Sparser, but ultimately succumbs to her manipulation.
XIX
Clyde is panicked and confused after the accident, worried about losing his job, being arrested, and disgracing his family.
Book II
Arrives in Lycurgus to work for his uncle, begins to navigate social classes, and starts relationships with both Roberta and Sondra.
Chapter III
Now twenty, more self-reliant and cautious, reflecting on his past and family.
IV
Clyde is working as a bellhop at the Union League Club in Chicago when he learns his uncle Samuel Griffiths is staying there. He nervously introduces himself and secures a job offer at the collar factory, then travels to Lycurgus.
Chapter V
Clyde is assigned to the shrinking room by his cousin Gilbert and feels both hopeful and humiliated by his new position.
Chapter VI
Arrives in Lycurgus, secures a room on Thorpe Street, and begins work at his uncle's mill. He reflects on his past and his new surroundings.
VII
Clyde is cautious and flattered by Dillard's attention, but wary of how his new relatives might perceive his actions.
Chapter VIII
Attends the church social with Dillard, is introduced as Samuel Griffiths' nephew, and begins a flirtation with Rita Dickerman.
IX
Torn between his attraction to Rita and his resolve to avoid complications; feels inferior and uncertain about his place in Lycurgus.
Chapter X
Feels out of place and depressed after being introduced to the wealthy society of Lycurgus, acutely aware of his poverty and social inferiority.
Chapter XI
Dreams of high society, grows distant from Dillard and Rita, and is promoted to assistant foreman of the stamping room with a raise.
Chapter XII
Clyde is working at the factory, tempted by female workers but restrained by his promise to Gilbert. He meets Roberta Alden and is infatuated with her, and also sees Sondra Finchley at a parade, deepening his social ambitions.
Chapter XIII
Clyde is mentioned as Roberta's supervisor at the mill, and she finds him young, attractive, and interested in her.
Chapter XIV
Lonely and conflicted, Clyde is drawn to Roberta Alden despite the social taboos and his own aspirations for high society.
XV
Conflicted and lonely, Clyde is torn between his attraction to Roberta and his social ambitions. He spends his free time at lakes, learning to swim and canoe, and daydreams about high society.
Chapter XVI
Clyde is increasingly obsessed with Roberta and risks violating the factory's rules to pursue her. He arranges a secret meeting despite his fear of Gilbert's disapproval.
XVII
Waits for Roberta at the trysting place, reflects on his past with Hortense Briggs and Rita Dickerman, kisses Roberta and elicits her confession of love.
XVIII
Eager and impatient to be with Roberta, he suggests various schemes for secret meetings, including using a church visit as a cover, which Roberta rejects.
Chapter XIX
Clyde is mentioned as the object of Roberta's affection and the reason for her secrecy. He encourages her to move to a new room for independence.
Chapter XX
Pressures Roberta for greater intimacy, becomes angry and sullen when she refuses, comparing her to Hortense Briggs.
Chapter XXI
Deliberately ignores Roberta at work and flirts with other girls to pressure her into yielding; relents after receiving her note.
Chapter XXII
Overcomes his scruples to begin a secret affair with Roberta, feeling a new sense of power and confidence, yet still dreaming of the Griffiths' social world.
XXIII
Walking along Wykeagy Avenue, he is mistaken for Gilbert by Sondra, but after the confusion, he is invited into her car. He is deeply impressed by her and hopeful for future encounters.
Chapter XXIV
Receives the invitation and is ecstatic, dreaming of social elevation and distancing himself from Roberta.
XXV
Attends the Trumbull party, feels out of place but flattered by attention from Sondra and others.
Chapter XXVI
Attends the dinner and dance, charming the group and engaging in flirtatious conversation with Sondra. He feels both exhilarated and self-conscious about his social standing.
XXVII
Clyde is torn between his attraction to Sondra and his obligations to Roberta, ultimately choosing to pursue Sondra's social invitations.
XXVIII
Feels torn between his old affection for Roberta and his new infatuation with Sondra; deliberately distances himself from Roberta.
Chapter XXIX
Mentioned as the object of Roberta's anxiety; she fears he is becoming indifferent and may be attracted to another girl.
Chapter XXX
Rejoices in his social acceptance by the Griffiths and high society, seeing it as a victory over Gilbert's opposition.
Chapter XXXI
Clyde returns late from a Christmas dinner with his uncle's family, lies to Roberta about his whereabouts, and struggles to manage her jealousy while being drawn to Sondra Finchley's world.
XXXII
Navigates high society with limited means; becomes infatuated with Sondra and shares a kiss with her.
XXXIII
Struggles with his guilt and desire to end his relationship with Roberta, while being increasingly captivated by Sondra and the promise of a better life.
XXXIV
Desperate and anxious, Clyde seeks an abortifacient in Schenectady, using a false married-man story, but struggles with fear and moral qualms.
Chapter XXXV
Torn between his affair with Sondra and the crisis with Roberta; seeks abortifacients and worries about his future.
XXXVI
Nervously seeks help from Orrin Short to find a doctor for Roberta, fabricating a story about a workingman.
XXXVII
Clyde secures the name of a doctor and encourages Roberta to visit him, showing nervousness about her backing out.
XXXVIII
Panicked and evasive, Clyde refuses Roberta's marriage proposal, fearing the loss of his social ambitions and his relationship with Sondra.
Chapter XXXIX
Torn between his love for Sondra and his obligation to Roberta; he deceives Roberta with false promises while dreaming of a wealthy life with Sondra.
Chapter XL
Torn between his love for Sondra and the demands of Roberta, he is horrified by the sight of Roberta's dilapidated home and contemplates running away again.
Chapter XLI
Torn between Roberta's demands and his desire for Sondra; stalls Roberta by suggesting she go home to prepare a trousseau.
Chapter XLII
Reads the newspaper account of a drowning and begins to contemplate an accidental drowning as a solution to his problems with Roberta.
Chapter XLIII
Desperately pleads with Sondra to elope; shows signs of mental breakdown as he faces the impossibility of his situation with Roberta.
Chapter XLIV
Clyde is deeply conflicted, oscillating between horror at the thought of murder and a growing obsession with the idea of an accidental drowning as a way out of his predicament with Roberta.
XLV
Plagued by a diabolical inner voice urging murder; oscillates between horror and rationalization; receives Roberta's ultimatum and begins to plan her drowning.
XLVI
Meets Roberta at the station, feeling resentful and contemplating murder to escape his obligations to her.
XLVII
Clyde is tormented and indecisive as he executes his plan to murder Roberta at Big Bittern, experiencing visions and a crisis of will.
Book III
The protagonist, arrested and tried for Roberta's murder, ultimately convicted and executed.
Chapter II
Identified as the mysterious young man who fled the scene, matching the description of Clifford Golden.
IV
Identified as the recipient of Roberta's letters; suspected by Mason of seduction and murder.
V
The prime suspect; his card on the toilet set and his social position as a Griffiths nephew incriminate him.
VI
Flees the scene of Roberta's drowning, experiencing intense guilt, paranoia, and hallucinations of her ghost.
Chapter VII
Terrified and paranoid after Roberta's drowning, he tries to enjoy Sondra's company while hiding his wet suit and worrying about the three witnesses.
Chapter VIII
Arrested by Deputy Kraut for Roberta's murder; attempts to flee but is captured.
IX
Arrested and interrogated by Mason; denies knowing Roberta despite overwhelming evidence.
Chapter X: Arrest and Imprisonment
Arrested and interrogated by Mason; transported to Bridgeburg jail; overwhelmed by despair and fear of execution.
Chapter XI
Clyde is brought back to Big Bittern Lake by Mason and others to retrace his steps. He denies having a camera or tripod and remains silent about the events.
Chapter XII
Arrested and held in jail, brooding over his situation and attempting to defend himself to Smillie, insisting he did not kill Roberta.
Chapter XIII
Discussed as the accused; his weak explanations and incriminating circumstances are reviewed.
XIV
Interrogated by Catchuman and later by Belknap; maintains his story that Roberta's death was accidental.
XV
Clyde is the defendant, cooperating with his lawyers but conflicted about their deceptive tactics.
XVI
The defendant whose actions and motives are being reinterpreted for the trial.
Chapter XVII
Is in jail, indicted for murder; feels shame and fear about facing his mother; agrees with the Griffiths' wish to keep his parents in the background.
Chapter XVIII
Imprisoned and awaiting trial, Clyde oscillates between hope and despair, tormented by the loss of Sondra and the fear of execution.
The Trial Begins
The defendant, nervous and trying to appear nonchalant as he enters the courtroom.
XX
The defendant, portrayed by the prosecution as a calculating seducer and murderer, sitting in court as Mason delivers the opening statement.
XXI
The defendant, on trial for Roberta's murder, faces a barrage of witnesses and evidence against him.
XXII
The defendant, whose actions and lies are exposed through witness testimony and evidence; he contemplates escape as the trial proceeds.
XXIII
Takes the witness stand, nervous and strained, but tries to appear calm as the defense begins its case.
Chapter XXIV
Testifies in his own defense, recounting his early life, the Kansas City accident, and his relationship with Roberta.
XXV
The defendant on trial, subjected to aggressive cross-examination by Mason.
XXVI
The defendant, convicted of murder, now awaiting his fate in his cell.
Chapter XXVII
Clyde is convicted; his letters insisting on his innocence influence his family's belief in him.
XXVIII
Sentenced to death but maintains his innocence in court; heartened by his mother's presence and faith; transferred to Auburn's death house.
XXIX
Imprisoned in the death house, shaken by his mother's visit and his own guilt.
Chapter: XXX
Clyde is in prison, awaiting the outcome of his appeal, grappling with the terror and monotony of death row.
XXXI
Lying on his cot in the death house, reading; lonely and troubled after Nicholson's execution; conflicted about religion.
XXXII
Clyde is in the death house, tormented by his past and the fear of execution, and begins to be influenced by the Reverend McMillan's religious appeals.
XXXIII
Confesses the truth about his plot and actions to Reverend McMillan, struggles with guilt and the fear of execution.
XXXIV
Clyde reflects on his mother's lack of understanding, his own guilt, and his impending execution.
Souvenir
The young boy, referred to as Russell in the chapter, who is part of the street preaching family and asks for a dime for ice cream.
