# Gilbert Griffiths — An American Tragedy character guide > Gilbert Griffiths in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Gilbert, young Griffiths, Mr. Gilbert Griffiths, Gil **First appearance:** 0020-book-ii ## Snapshot Samuel's confident son and heir, who resents the arrival of a look-alike cousin and makes sure Clyde feels every inch of his second-class place in Lycurgus. ## Who they are Gilbert is the polished, sharp-tongued young Griffiths who assumes the factory, the fortune, and the social field are his by right. The moment his father mentions a cousin who resembles him, Gilbert bristles with a jealousy he cannot quite name, and he treats Clyde with cold condescension from the start. His snobbery and rivalry set the terms of Clyde's humiliating apprenticeship in the family and in Lycurgus society. ## Relationships ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _family_ Clyde's wealthy and disdainful cousin, who treats him as an inferior and blocks his social advancement within the family business. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _family_ Clyde's wealthy and disdainful cousin, who treats him as an inferior and blocks his social advancement within the family business. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _family_ Clyde's wealthy and disdainful cousin, who treats him as an inferior and blocks his social advancement within the family business. ## In the story ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-ii) Clyde's cousin who resents his presence and treats him coldly, reinforcing class barriers. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/i) The stern, self-centered, and practical son who is dismissive of Bella's chatter and focused on his own social and business standing. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ii) Resents the idea of Clyde coming, fears competition and social embarrassment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) Clyde is instructed to seek out Gilbert Griffiths at the mill office upon his arrival in Lycurgus, as his uncle's letter directs. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/v) Gilbert treats Clyde with icy condescension, assigns him to menial work, and resolves to keep him unimportant. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vi) Criticizes Clyde's appearance and background to his family, expressing doubt about Clyde's potential. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ix) Treats Clyde with icy condescension at the family home; displays a superior and authoritative attitude. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xi) Reluctantly arranges Clyde's promotion and instructs him on proper conduct and dress. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xii) Gilbert is mentioned as having warned Clyde about fraternizing with female workers, and he appears in the parade driving a float. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiv) His rule against fraternization with factory girls looms over Clyde's interactions with Roberta. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) Referenced as the one who warned Clyde against associating with the help, reinforcing the social divide. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) Though not present, Gilbert's rule against fraternization looms over Clyde's actions, and Clyde fears his cousin's judgment. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) Imagined by Clyde racing in his big car, representing the high society life Clyde aspires to. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiii) Mentioned as the cousin Sondra initially mistakes Clyde for; Sondra notes they do not get along well. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) Makes cutting references about Clyde and Sondra, prompting Sondra's plan. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) Mentioned as Clyde's cousin; Clyde fears his reaction if he hears the comparison. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvii) Gilbert is angered by Clyde's social rise through Sondra's influence, though he and his parents remain inactive. ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx) Bitterly opposes Clyde's social rise, viewing it as an intrusion and a plot by Sondra Finchley to embarrass him. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxix) Mentioned as Clyde's cousin and a point of comparison for social standing. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiii) Furious and fearful of the scandal's impact on the family's social standing; blames his father for bringing Clyde to Lycurgus. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/gilbert_griffiths - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters