An American Tragedy · Character
Elvira Griffiths
Clyde's devout, unyielding mother, whose mission-hall faith and fierce loyalty to her son collide with the respectable world he is desperate to enter.
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Elvira Griffiths, Elvira
First appearance: book i
As a supporting figure in An American Tragedy, Elvira Griffiths is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The mother, a solid, vigorous woman with a hard, fighting faith who leads the hymns and supports the mission.
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Elvira Griffiths is a street-corner evangelist in Kansas City, raising her children on hymns, handouts, and the conviction that her family is spiritually set apart. Proud, self-sacrificing, and blind to how her public…
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See Elvira Griffiths in book iCharacter Web
34 connectionsA slice of how Elvira Griffiths sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Trial and Defense Team
- Extended Cast of Lycurgus and Trial
- Clyde's Early Acquaintances
+29 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…
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Elvira Griffiths appears across 26 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Elvira Griffiths unlock in the free preview.
See Elvira Griffiths in book i