# Samuel Griffiths — An American Tragedy character guide

> Samuel Griffiths in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Samuel, Mr. Samuel Griffiths, the Griffiths, Mr. Griffiths

**First appearance:** 0020-book-ii

## Snapshot

The prosperous head of the Griffiths collar factory, who plucks his poor nephew out of Chicago out of family feeling and then watches that kindness turn into catastrophe.

## Who they are

Samuel Griffiths is a self-made Lycurgus industrialist, secure in his wealth, his name, and his place among the city's first families. He brings Clyde to Lycurgus out of a half-guilty sense of duty to his estranged brother Asa, then leaves the boy to find his own footing in a factory and a society that will not quite have him. His slow recognition that his own good intentions may have helped set the tragedy in motion gives the story its bitterest family reckoning.

## In the story

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ii)

Samuel is Clyde's wealthy uncle in Lycurgus, a successful collar manufacturer whose riches contrast sharply with Clyde's poverty and fuel Clyde's aspirations.

### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-ii)

Clyde's wealthy uncle who gives him a job at the collar factory but keeps him at a social distance.

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/i)

The husband and father, recently returned from a business conference in Chicago; his preferences and authority are referenced.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ii)

Returns from Chicago, discusses bringing Clyde to Lycurgus, insists on no special treatment for him.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/iv)

Samuel Griffiths arrives at the Union League Club in Chicago. He is impressed by Clyde's appearance and ambition, and agrees to give him a position at the collar factory, though with a warning about lower pay.

### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/v)

Samuel is mentioned as the owner of the collar factory and the wealthy uncle whose residence Clyde admires from the street.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/vii)

Clyde's wealthy uncle, whose reputation and status are a source of both pride and caution for Clyde.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/ix)

Shows mild interest in Clyde's progress but remains preoccupied; invites Clyde to his home and speaks with him briefly.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/x)

Hosts the dinner and shows some kindness to Clyde, but his attitude reinforces the class divide.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xi)

Insists Clyde be moved from the shrinking room to a more dignified position, overruling Gilbert's objections.

### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xxx)

Defends Clyde's social opportunities, advocating for inclusion to avoid appearing less generous than other families.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/v)

Clyde's wealthy uncle; his family's social standing complicates the case.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xii)

Initially disbelieving of Clyde's guilt, he instructs his son Gilbert to send Smillie to Bridgeburg to investigate and manage the situation.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xiii)

Struggles with the family crisis, insists on justice and refuses to fund a defense if Clyde is guilty.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xvi)

Clyde's uncle who rejects the insanity defense to avoid family disgrace.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters/samuel_griffiths
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/characters