# Willard Sparser — An American Tragedy character guide

> Willard Sparser in An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Sparser, Willard, the unfortunate Sparser

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Who they are

A friend of Clyde's from his hotel days.

## In the story

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

Sparser drives the stolen car and flirts with Hortense, causing Clyde's jealousy. He is confident and worldly.

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

Mentioned as a rival for Hortense's affections; she finds him more manly and direct than Clyde.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/xix)

Sparser is the driver; he is knocked unconscious and lies prone in the car after the accident.

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

Mentioned as having been charged with larceny and homicide after the accident.

## Links

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