# Orville Mason — An American Tragedy character guide > Orville Mason in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mr. Mason, Mason, Orville W. Mason, Orville **First appearance:** 0068-book-iii ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _rivalry_ Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder. ### [Roberta Alden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden) _professional_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _rivalry_ Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _rivalry_ Orville Mason, the district attorney, is Clyde's relentless prosecutor who builds a case against him for Roberta's murder. ### [Roberta Alden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden) _professional_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden) _professional_ 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. ## In the story ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-iii) The district attorney who prosecutes Clyde with fervor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/i) District Attorney, mentioned as being away on political business but likely to be interested in the case. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iii) District Attorney who is politically ambitious and sees the case as a chance to strengthen his party ticket. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) District attorney investigating Roberta's death; suspects Clyde Griffiths of seduction and murder. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/v) The district attorney leading the investigation, driven by personal bias and a desire for justice. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/viii) District Attorney leading the investigation and coordinating Clyde's capture. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ix) District attorney who arrests Clyde and presents evidence of his affair with Roberta and relationship with Sondra. ### [Chapter X: Arrest and Imprisonment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/x) Leads the arrest, searches Clyde's belongings, interrogates him, and arranges his transfer to Bridgeburg. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xii) The district attorney actively leaks Roberta's letters to the press and pressures Smillie to persuade Clyde to confess. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiv) Prosecutor who gathers evidence against Clyde, including the tripod and camera, and plans to secure a special Supreme Court session. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) Mason is the prosecutor; the defense strategizes to outmaneuver him regarding evidence like the suit and camera. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvii) Prosecutor; pushes for a special term of court; dismisses defense claims of political plotting and insists on a speedy trial. ### [The Trial Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix) The prosecutor, questioning potential jurors with an aggressive manner. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xx) The prosecutor delivering a powerful opening statement, charging Clyde with first-degree murder and detailing the alleged plot. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxi) The district attorney prosecuting Clyde, using dramatic tactics and a flood of witnesses to build his case. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) The prosecutor, who presents a complete and damaging case against Clyde, including the discovery of the camera and tripod. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) The prosecutor who objects frequently during Jephson's questioning and plans to cross-examine Clyde. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) The district attorney prosecuting Clyde, using letters and financial details to undermine his testimony. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvi) The prosecutor, who secures a conviction and is celebrated as a hero by the crowd. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Prosecutor at Clyde's trial; referenced in Clyde's thoughts about the jury's judgment. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/orville_mason - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters