An American Tragedy · Character

Orville Mason

The Bridgeburg district attorney, a theatrical and relentless prosecutor who turns Clyde's trial into a national spectacle and his own stepping-stone to higher office.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Mason, Mason, Orville W. Mason, Orville

First appearance: Book III

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

The district attorney who prosecutes Clyde with fervor.

In the storyBook IIIOpen this moment free

Mason is a small-county official with large ambitions, and Clyde's case arrives as the career-making opportunity he has been waiting for. He paints the defendant as a bearded, calculating seducer who traded a poor girl's life for a rich girl's hand, and he plays to the gallery of reporters and spectators with evident relish. His opening charge and cross-examinations shape how the jury, and the reader, weigh Clyde's guilt long before the defense has its say.

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Character Web

43 connections

A slice of how Orville Mason 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
Clemency and Spiritual Advisors
Factory and Hotel Acquaintances

+38 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…

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Relationships

Clyde Griffiths
rivalry · negative
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case… How this plays out →
Roberta Alden
professional · negative
Clyde Griffiths
rivalry · negative
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case… How this plays out →
Clyde Griffiths
rivalry · negative
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case… How this plays out →
Roberta Alden
professional · negative
Roberta Alden
professional · negative

Clyde Griffiths
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder.
Roberta Alden
Mason uses Roberta's tragic letters and story as evidence to build his murder case against Clyde, treating her as a victim to be avenged.
Clyde Griffiths
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder.
Clyde Griffiths
Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder.
Roberta Alden
Mason uses Roberta's tragic letters and story as evidence to build his murder case against Clyde, treating her as a victim to be avenged.
Roberta Alden
Mason uses Roberta's tragic letters and story as evidence to build his murder case against Clyde, treating her as a victim to be avenged.

Relationship notes

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See Orville Mason in Book III

In the story

Orville Mason appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III
The district attorney who prosecutes Clyde with fervor.
I
District Attorney, mentioned as being away on political business but likely to be interested in the case.
Chapter III
District Attorney who is politically ambitious and sees the case as a chance to strengthen his party ticket.
IV
District attorney investigating Roberta's death; suspects Clyde Griffiths of seduction and murder.
V
The district attorney leading the investigation, driven by personal bias and a desire for justice.
Chapter VIII
District Attorney leading the investigation and coordinating Clyde's capture.
IX
District attorney who arrests Clyde and presents evidence of his affair with Roberta and relationship with Sondra.
Chapter X: Arrest and Imprisonment
Leads the arrest, searches Clyde's belongings, interrogates him, and arranges his transfer to Bridgeburg.
Chapter XI
Mason leads the investigation, orchestrating the second lake visit and planning to use the camera as surprise evidence. He seeks a special grand jury to try Clyde quickly, motivated by his upcoming election.
Chapter XII
The district attorney actively leaks Roberta's letters to the press and pressures Smillie to persuade Clyde to confess.
XIV
Prosecutor who gathers evidence against Clyde, including the tripod and camera, and plans to secure a special Supreme Court session.
XV
Mason is the prosecutor; the defense strategizes to outmaneuver him regarding evidence like the suit and camera.
Chapter XVII
Prosecutor; pushes for a special term of court; dismisses defense claims of political plotting and insists on a speedy trial.
The Trial Begins
The prosecutor, questioning potential jurors with an aggressive manner.
XX
The prosecutor delivering a powerful opening statement, charging Clyde with first-degree murder and detailing the alleged plot.
XXI
The district attorney prosecuting Clyde, using dramatic tactics and a flood of witnesses to build his case.
XXII
The prosecutor, who presents a complete and damaging case against Clyde, including the discovery of the camera and tripod.
XXIII
The prosecution's case is described as having been closed with an impressive deluge of testimony, and he is congratulated on his presentation.
Chapter XXIV
The prosecutor who objects frequently during Jephson's questioning and plans to cross-examine Clyde.
XXV
The district attorney prosecuting Clyde, using letters and financial details to undermine his testimony.
XXVI
The prosecutor, who secures a conviction and is celebrated as a hero by the crowd.
XXXIII
Prosecutor at Clyde's trial; referenced in Clyde's thoughts about the jury's judgment.

Chapter companion notes

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See Orville Mason in Book III