# Elvira Griffiths — An American Tragedy character guide > Elvira Griffiths in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Elvira Griffiths, Elvira **First appearance:** 0000-book-i ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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 piety humiliates Clyde, she embodies the humble origins he spends the novel fleeing. When scandal breaks, her refusal to abandon him becomes both a rebuke and a mirror, exposing the cost of the very respectability he chased. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/i) The mother, a solid, vigorous woman with a hard, fighting faith who leads the hymns and supports the mission. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ii) Elvira is Clyde's mother, firmer than her husband but equally impractical, sharing his unwavering faith and neglect of the children's practical education. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iii) Discovers Esta's note, reacts with stern resignation and a hard, frozen face, instructing the family to lie about her whereabouts. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) Clyde's mother, who consults with him about his job at the drug store and worries about his moral welfare, especially after Esta's disappearance. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vi) Puzzled by Clyde's sudden enthusiasm for the hotel job but hopeful it will improve his mood and prospects. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/viii) Clyde's mother is unsophisticated and believes his lies about his income and work demands, though she worries about the moral atmosphere of the hotel. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiii) Secretly hiding Esta and trying to support her; her deceptive behavior puzzles Clyde but he understands her motives. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) Reveals Esta's situation to Clyde and pleads for financial help, feeling desperate and ashamed. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iii) Clyde feels a pang recalling how he treated his mother. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) Clyde's mother writes him a long letter urging him to be careful of his conduct and associates, warning against evil women and bad companionship, and encouraging him to write frequently. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vi) Expresses concern that Clyde's presence might reflect poorly on the family's reputation in Lycurgus. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ix) Shows interest in Clyde's family background; finds him neat and presentable, comparing him favorably to her son Gilbert. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix) Roberta writes to her mother, Elvira, to explain her move, providing a plausible version of events to ease her mother's worries. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxix) Roberta's mother, who worries about Roberta's relationship with Clyde and questions her about his intentions. ### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xlii) Mentioned in Roberta's letter as a loving and patient mother figure. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) Mrs. Alden, Roberta's mother, who knew about the relationship but kept it from Titus. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvii) Learns of Clyde's indictment from a newspaper; experiences intense shock and turns to the Bible; resolves to contact Clyde secretly. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xviii) Clyde's mother sends a supportive telegram and gives interviews revealing the family's missionary past, causing Clyde both shame and gratitude. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvii) Mrs. Griffiths defends Clyde's innocence to reporters, prays for guidance, and secures a job as a newspaper correspondent to travel to him. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxviii) Arrives in Bridgeburg to support Clyde; meets with Belknap and Jephson; agrees to give a lecture to raise funds for an appeal; works as a correspondent to stay near her son. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxix) Visits Clyde, prays fervently, and plans a lecture tour to raise funds for his appeal. ### [Chapter: XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx) Clyde's mother travels and speaks to raise money for his appeal, but faces financial strain and her husband's illness. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxi) In Denver nursing Asa; writes pleading letters to McMillan; maintains Clyde's innocence and seeks his spiritual salvation. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Clyde's mother; he asks for her to be telegraphed after learning of the court's decision. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiv) Mrs. Griffiths pleads with Governor Waltham for her son's life, but is devastated by the outcome. ### [Souvenir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/souvenir) Asa's wife, a strong and determined woman who leads the group with conviction. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/elvira_griffiths - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters