# Roberta Alden — An American Tragedy character guide > Roberta Alden in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Roberta, Miss Alden, Bobbie, Miss Roberta Alden **First appearance:** 0020-book-ii ## Snapshot A country girl who comes to Lycurgus for factory work and honest independence, only to find her heart and her respectability tangled in Clyde's restless ambitions. ## Who they are Roberta arrives in Lycurgus from a hardscrabble farm family, takes a room in a respectable religious boardinghouse, and finds work in the collar factory where Clyde is her department head. She is cautious, proud, and quietly hungry for affection, and her growing attachment to Clyde collides with his mounting fascination with a world she cannot enter. Her jealousy, her decency, and her vulnerability make her the moral counterweight to everything Clyde is reaching for. ## Relationships ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _romantic_ Clyde's passionate but ultimately tragic affair with Roberta, a factory worker he impregnates and later considers murdering to pursue a wealthier match. ### [Orville Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/orville_mason) _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. ### [Sondra Finchley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/sondra_finchley) _rivalry_ Roberta and Sondra are unwitting rivals for Clyde's affection, with Roberta representing his past and Sondra his aspirational future. ### [Reuben Jephson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson) _professional_ Jephson analyzes Roberta's character and letters to craft a defense strategy, viewing her as a tragic figure but also a legal obstacle. ### [Hortense Briggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/hortense_briggs) _social_ Hortense and Roberta are both women in Clyde's life but from different social strata, with Hortense representing Clyde's earlier, more superficial relationships. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _romantic_ Clyde's passionate but ultimately tragic affair with Roberta, a factory worker he impregnates and later considers murdering to pursue a wealthier match. ### [Clyde Griffiths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/clyde_griffiths) _romantic_ Clyde's passionate but ultimately tragic affair with Roberta, a factory worker he impregnates and later considers murdering to pursue a wealthier match. ### [Reuben Jephson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/reuben_jephson) _professional_ Jephson analyzes Roberta's character and letters to craft a defense strategy, viewing her as a tragic figure but also a legal obstacle. ### [Orville Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/orville_mason) _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. ### [Hortense Briggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/hortense_briggs) _social_ Hortense and Roberta are both women in Clyde's life but from different social strata, with Hortense representing Clyde's earlier, more superficial relationships. ### [Sondra Finchley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/sondra_finchley) _rivalry_ Roberta and Sondra are unwitting rivals for Clyde's affection, with Roberta representing his past and Sondra his aspirational future. ### [Orville Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/orville_mason) _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 II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-ii) A poor factory worker who begins a secret affair with Clyde, representing his lower-class ties. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xii) Roberta is introduced as a new worker at the factory. She is intelligent, pretty, and inexperienced, and Clyde is immediately drawn to her. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiii) Roberta is introduced in depth: her family background, her dreams of a better life, and her decision to work at Griffiths & Company. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiv) A quick and intelligent worker, Roberta is aware of the risks of a relationship with Clyde but finds herself attracted to him. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) A factory girl who is drawn to Clyde despite the risks. She is shy and cautious but cannot hide her feelings when they meet at Crum Lake. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) Roberta is torn between her conventional upbringing and her overwhelming attraction to Clyde. She deliberately creates a pretext to speak with him, signaling her willingness to engage in a secret relationship. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvii) Sneaks out to meet Clyde, lies to the Newtons and Grace Marr, confesses her love for Clyde despite her scruples. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xviii) Torn between her love for Clyde and the constraints of her social and religious upbringing, she devises a plan to visit her sister in Homer to facilitate secret meetings. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix) Roberta is caught in a lie about her outing with Clyde, leading to a confrontation with Grace. She decides to move to a new room to gain more freedom to meet Clyde, though she feels conflicted about her choices. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xx) Struggles with her moral convictions against Clyde's demands, fears losing him to other girls, and ultimately pleads with him not to be angry. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxi) Struggles with her conscience and fear of losing Clyde; writes a desperate note to reconcile after a day of silent treatment. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) Yields to Clyde's desires after much protest, extracts a promise of loyalty, and becomes entirely devoted to him, though haunted by fear of the future. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiii) Clyde plans to visit her later that evening, but the encounter with Sondra shifts his thoughts and desires. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) Clyde considers her feelings but decides to avoid her and keep the invitation secret. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) Clyde thinks of her guiltily while denying having a girl to Gertrude. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvii) Roberta is neglected by Clyde as he cancels their Christmas Eve plans to attend social events with Sondra and her friends. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxviii) Deeply troubled by Clyde's indifference and broken promises; fears the end of their relationship. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxix) Returns to her family farm for Christmas, feeling depressed and anxious about Clyde's waning interest. She resolves to return to Lycurgus quickly to secure his affection. ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx) Returns to Lycurgus on Christmas night, waiting in vain for Clyde, unaware of his social engagements. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxi) Roberta is deeply hurt and jealous after waiting alone on Christmas night; she confronts Clyde about his lies and his interest in Sondra, revealing her feelings of inadequacy and isolation. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Discovers she is pregnant and is consumed by fear and despair, seeking Clyde's help despite his growing indifference. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiv) Pregnant and isolated, Roberta receives the remedy from Clyde but is left feeling uncertain and abandoned by his indifferent attitude. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxv) Sick from taking too many pills; desperate and fearful of her pregnancy, she feels Clyde's indifference. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxvi) Desperate and pregnant, waiting for Clyde to find a doctor. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxvii) Roberta, desperate and emotionally strained, visits the doctor under a false name, eventually confessing her unmarried state and pleading for help. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxviii) Desperate and determined, Roberta insists Clyde must help her, either by finding an abortion or by marrying her, accusing him of being swayed by society people. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxix) Pregnant and desperate, she reluctantly agrees to wait for Clyde's plan, sensing his insincerity but having no other recourse. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xl) Feeling neglected and desperate, she observes Clyde with Arabella Stark and grows increasingly angry and sad about her situation. ### [Chapter XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xli) Desperate and fearful due to her pregnancy; agrees to return home to prepare a trousseau, hoping Clyde will marry her. ### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xlii) Writes a pleading letter to Clyde, expressing her loneliness and desperation, while preparing for their planned trip. ### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xliii) Referenced as the source of Clyde's impending disaster due to her pregnancy and demand for marriage. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xliv) Though not physically present in the chapter, Roberta's pregnancy and Clyde's last conversation with her weigh heavily on his mind, driving his desperate thoughts. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xlv) Sends a desperate letter threatening to expose Clyde if he does not act by Friday; her pregnancy and demands drive Clyde to contemplate murder. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xlvi) Arrives at the station hopeful for marriage and a new life, unaware of Clyde's murderous plans. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xlvii) Roberta is hopeful for marriage but increasingly anxious about Clyde's evasiveness; she is unaware of his murderous intent. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-iii) The victim whose drowning leads to Clyde's arrest and trial. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ii) Her body is recovered from Moon Cove with bruises on her face, raising suspicions of murder. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iii) The victim, described as young, pretty, and innocent-looking, with suspicious marks on her body. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv) Deceased; her letters to Clyde Griffiths are discovered, revealing her secret relationship. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/v) The victim; her letters and belongings reveal her relationship with Clyde and her pregnancy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vi) Drowned at Moon Cove; her final cries and pleading look haunt Clyde throughout his flight. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vii) Her body has been found at Big Bittern, intensifying Clyde's fear of exposure. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/viii) Referenced as the victim whose drowning leads to Clyde's arrest. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ix) Deceased; her letters to Clyde are presented as proof of their relationship and her pregnancy. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xi) Roberta's autopsy reveals injuries to her face and skull, but the lungs indicate she was alive when she entered the water. Her body is central to the forensic evidence. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xii) Deceased; her letters are published posthumously, and her mother's emotional account of her final days is widely circulated. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xv) Roberta is the deceased; her letters are a key piece of evidence that Jephson worries will prejudice the jury. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi) The deceased; her letters are considered damaging evidence against Clyde. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xx) The victim, described by Mason as a virtuous, loving, and trusting girl who was seduced and murdered by Clyde. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxi) The deceased, whose letters, belongings, and past interactions with Clyde are central to the prosecution's case. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxii) The deceased victim; her letters are read in court, revealing her sorrow and desperation. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiii) Referenced extensively in Belknap's argument, described as a victim of a change of mood rather than murder. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxiv) Discussed extensively in Clyde's testimony; he claims he loved her and intended to marry her. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxv) The deceased victim, referenced through her letters and Clyde's past relationship with her. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxvi) The victim, whose letters and determination to marry Clyde are cited as motives. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxviii) Referenced as the victim in the murder charge against Clyde. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxi) Her romantic and poetic letters are cited as influencing the jury; McMillan reflects on her sad life and virtues. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxii) Clyde reflects on his relationship with Roberta and the events leading to her death, questioning his own guilt and the moral weight of his actions. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Central figure in Clyde's confession; her death and Clyde's actions toward her are the focus of his moral reckoning. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/roberta_alden - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters