# Reuben Jephson — An American Tragedy character guide > Reuben Jephson in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Jephson, Mr. Reuben Jephson, Mr. Jephson, Reuben **First appearance:** 0068-book-iii ## Snapshot The younger, cannier half of Clyde's defense team, whose confidence in a clever psychological argument keeps Clyde clinging to hope through the long weeks in jail. ## Who they are Jephson works alongside Belknap to arrange better meals for Clyde and to build a defense that will hinge on motive and intent rather than brute fact. His assurance that the case can be won becomes the thin thread Clyde hangs his sanity on in the cell, where visions of the electric chair drive him pacing at dawn. Whether Jephson's confidence is strategy or self-deception shapes the trial's final movement. ## Relationships ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Reuben Jephson is Clyde's defense attorney, who works tirelessly to save him from the electric chair but struggles with Clyde's lies. ### [Roberta Alden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden) _professional_ Jephson analyzes Roberta's character and letters to craft a defense strategy, viewing her as a tragic figure but also a legal obstacle. ### [Alvin Belknap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/alvin_belknap) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Reuben Jephson is Clyde's defense attorney, who works tirelessly to save him from the electric chair but struggles with Clyde's lies. ### [Roberta Alden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden) _professional_ Jephson analyzes Roberta's character and letters to craft a defense strategy, viewing her as a tragic figure but also a legal obstacle. ### [Alvin Belknap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/alvin_belknap) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _professional_ Reuben Jephson is Clyde's defense attorney, who works tirelessly to save him from the electric chair but struggles with Clyde's lies. ### [Alvin Belknap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/alvin_belknap) _professional_ Belknap and Jephson are legal partners defending Clyde, with Belknap providing strategic savvy and Jephson emotional intensity. ## In the story ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-iii) Clyde's other defense attorney, who attempts to save him. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiv) Belknap's partner, mentioned as being smarter in some legal matters and who will assist in Clyde's defense. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) Jephson is a shrewd, ferrety young lawyer who takes a hard, pragmatic approach to building Clyde's defense. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) Defense attorney who proposes the 'change of heart' defense to explain Clyde's actions. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvii) Defense attorney; works with Belknap on the case; doubts Clyde's full innocence but prepares a defense strategy. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xviii) Clyde's attorney who coaches him on testimony and provides a list of answers to prepare for cross-examination. ### [The Trial Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix) Clyde's other defense attorney, reinforcing Clyde's innocence and drilling him on his story. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xx) Clyde's other defense attorney, whispering advice to Clyde during Mason's speech. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxi) Clyde's other defense attorney, who instructs Clyde to remain calm and composed during the trial. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) One of Clyde's defense lawyers, who restrains Clyde when he jumps up in court and objects to evidence. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiii) Decides to personally examine Clyde on the stand, coaching him and attempting to steady his nerves. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) Clyde's defense attorney who conducts the direct examination, seeking to preempt the prosecution's case. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) Clyde's lead defense counsel, who coached him and supports him with mental strength during the examination. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvi) Co-defense attorney, who remains defiant after the verdict, hinting at an appeal. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvii) Jephson suggests wiring Mrs. Griffiths to come and raise money for an appeal. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxviii) Proposes the lecture plan to Elvira Griffiths; prepares notes for her to use. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxix) Mentioned as Clyde's other lawyer, who is sending Elvira information for her lectures. ### [Chapter: XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx) Jephson, along with Belknap, counsels Mrs. Griffiths and agrees to continue handling Clyde's appeal. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiv) Jephson, along with Belknap, filed a plea for clemency on Clyde's behalf. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters