George F. Babbitt

Paul Riesling

George's closest friend and confidant, representing his longing for a more authentic and artistic life, but their bond is strained by Paul's unhappy marriage and eventual tragedy.

Tanis Judique

George's mistress, with whom he has a passionate affair that allows him to rebel against his conventional life, but which ultimately leads to guilt and social pressure.

Louetta Swanson

A flirtatious and socially prominent neighbor who represents the superficial and gossipy nature of Zenith's upper-middle-class social circles.

Zilla Riesling

George despises Zilla for her nagging and destructive influence on his friend Paul, viewing her as the primary cause of Paul's misery.

Virgil Gunch

A fellow member of the Boosters' Club and a close business associate, representing the conformist, boosterish spirit of Zenith's business class.

Sir Gerald Doak

A visiting Englishman whom George befriends and tries to impress, symbolizing George's provincialism and desire for cosmopolitan status.

Charley McKelvey

A wealthy and socially superior acquaintance whom George both admires and resents, representing the upper-class social ladder George aspires to climb.

Myra Babbitt

George's wife, whose conventional domesticity and nagging he finds stifling, yet she represents the security and social respectability he ultimately cannot abandon.

Verona Babbitt

George's serious and intellectual daughter, whose progressive views and engagement to Kenneth Escott create a generational and ideological gap between them.

Stanley Graff

A younger, ambitious real estate salesman in George's office, whose aggressive tactics and eventual betrayal highlight the cutthroat nature of business.

Chum Frink

A poet and advertising man who is part of George's social circle, representing the blend of artistic pretension and commercialism in Zenith.

Orville Jones

A fellow real estate man and member of the Boosters' Club, a typical crony in George's conformist social and business network.

Chapter I

The protagonist, a prosperous real estate man in his forties, who feels trapped by his routine and family obligations. He is proud of his modern home and possessions but irritable and disillusioned.

II

Awakening on his sleeping-porch; dreaming of a fairy child; a prosperous real estate salesman, forty-six years old.

III

Wakes up irritable, detests his business and family, struggles through a frustrating morning routine, and rebels by using the guest towel.

IV

Babbitt fusses over his suit, complains about his health, and argues with Myra about the dinner-jacket and his children's behavior.

V

Stands at the window, gazing at the Second National Tower and feeling inspired by the city.

Chapter II

Babbitt feels irritable and disconnected from his family, nagging them about trivial matters while grappling with doubts about life and business.

I

Babbitt is introduced as a man who retreats from the cold to the warmth of his bed, and whose morning interactions with his wife are marked by routine and unspoken sympathy.

II

Irritable and discontented at breakfast, he argues with his children and complains to his wife about family life, while secretly yearning for social status.

Chapter III

Babbitt experiences a mix of pride and malaise as he navigates his morning routine, from starting his car to dictating letters at the office.

I

Protagonist; a prosperous real estate broker who takes pride in his car and home, and engages in a morning conversation with his neighbor.

II

Babbitt drives to work, engages in small talk at the garage, gives a lift to a stranger, and feels a deep affection for Zenith on a spring morning.

III

Babbitt parks his car with a sense of virile adventure, enters his office, and feels both pride and discontent with his surroundings. He dictates letters and experiences a restless longing for the 'fairy girl' of his dreams.

Chapter IV

Demonstrates his real estate philosophy, writes advertisements, negotiates with Purdy, and attempts to quit smoking.

I

Babbitt disapproves of Laylock's cheerful domesticity and rejects his poetic ad idea, insisting on a more dignified approach.

II

Creates a new advertisement for the Cemetery Beautiful, showing his competitive spirit in real estate.

III

Struggles with quitting smoking and feels annoyed by routine office work; calls Paul Riesling to arrange lunch.

IV

Portrayed as a diligent but ignorant real-estate broker who values profit over genuine public service, rationalizing his dishonesty as self-defense.

V

Acts as a shrewd real estate broker, bullying Purdy into a deal and feeling disillusioned afterward.

Chapter V

Feeling dissatisfied despite success; plans a trip to Maine with Paul; reflects on his habits and routines.

I

Babbitt is the central figure, fretting over office tasks, making resolutions about smoking and exercise, and deciding to drive to the club.

II

Drives through Zenith, reflecting on buildings, finances, and buying a cigar-lighter.

Chapter III

Feeling down in the mouth despite his success; lunches with Paul at the Athletic Club and confides his dissatisfaction.

Chapter VI

Defends college education as a marker of social class, reprimands Stanley Graff, and frets over family tensions while longing for a trip to Maine with Paul Riesling.

I

Drives a prospect to view a tenement, admires mechanical devices, negotiates a discount, and reflects on his own modernity versus Thompson and Ryland.

Chapter II

Confronts Stanley Graff about a bonus request, asserting his authority and defending company principles.

III

Engages in a philosophical discussion with Ted about correspondence courses and education, defends practical learning, and later argues about Shakespeare and fighting.

IV

Reflects on his past, his marriage, and his unfulfilled dreams of law and politics.

Chapter VII

Spends the evening at home reading, fidgeting, eating an apple, and arguing with Myra about diet. He recalls a run-in with Stanley Graff and falls asleep on the sleeping porch, dreaming of a fairy child.

I

He is reading the American Magazine while his wife darns, embodying the domestic routine and materialistic values of Floral Heights.

Chapter II

Fidgets at home, reads aloud to Myra, eats an apple, recounts his day, feels restless and lonely.

III

Engages in a luxurious bath and shave, plays childishly, and performs elaborate bedtime rituals, all while resenting the noise from Mr. Doppelbrau's car.

IV

Mentioned as having once praised Mike Monday in a speech at the Boosters' Club.

VI

Referenced as the 'fool son-in-law' and 'good little boy' by Offutt; later shown turning in bed and entering a dream of escape and romance.

Chapter VIII

Hosts a highbrow dinner party, procures gin, mixes cocktails, and feels pride in his social standing.

I

Hosts the dinner party and engages in secret real-estate options.

II

Hosts the dinner party, procures gin, and argues with his wife about preparations.

Chapter IX

Hosts the dinner party but feels increasingly bored, physically ill from overeating, and disillusioned with his social circle. He yearns for escape with Paul Riesling and experiences a moment of contempt for his friends.

I

Hosts the dinner party, struggles with overeating and boredom, feels a desire to escape to Maine with Paul Riesling.

II

Feels trapped and exhausted after the party, breaks down and confesses his need to escape alone to Maine.

Chapter X

Confronts Zilla Riesling, forcing her to let Paul go to Maine; then enthusiastically shops for fishing gear with Paul.

I

Bullies Zilla into letting Paul go to Maine, then feels self-righteous but briefly questions his own motives.

II

Shows unrestrained excitement and childish enthusiasm while buying fishing tackle for the Maine trip, wanting to buy out the store.

III

Travels to Maine with Paul, participates eagerly in the smoking-compartment conversation, and feels a sense of freedom and happiness.

Chapter XI

Babbitt experiences a range of emotions during the Maine vacation, from initial protectiveness to hidden weariness and irritability, before finding a brief moment of peace.

I

Impressed by the Pennsylvania Hotel and its size; tries to engage Paul in conversation about Europe.

II

Experiences a moment of impassioned release and peace while sitting on the wharf, expressing a desire to escape his daily life.

III

Arrives at the lake resort with Paul, changes into new khaki clothes, chews tobacco, and enjoys the rustic setting.

IV

Revels in the freedom from shaving and domestic routine, reflects on his unfulfilled political ambitions, and cherishes the camaraderie with Paul.

V

Babbitt experiences hidden weariness and irritability during the vacation, but eventually finds calm and renewed interest in life.

Chapter XII

Returns from Maine with resolutions to change, but quickly falls back into old habits; attends baseball games, golf, and movies.

I

Babbitt resolves to change his ways on the train from Maine but quickly fails to quit smoking.

II

Babbitt tries baseball as a hobby, attends games, then reverts to watching the bulletin board; he hustles back to the office, embodying the city's frantic pace.

III

Babbitt plays golf at the Outing Golf and Country Club and disparages the Tonawanda Country Club.

IV

Enjoys the movies at the Château theater, particularly films with bathing girls, cowboys, and comedians; finds these relaxations necessary as he enters a year of intense activity.

Chapter XIII

Delivers a keynote address at the S.A.R.E.B. convention, gains fame, and participates in the convention's social events, including a circus parade and a drinking party.

I

Official delegate to the S.A.R.E.B. convention; advocates for real estate as a profession.

II

Struggles to write a paper for a real estate convention, seeks advice, and ultimately completes it.

Chapter III

Official delegate to the convention; leads cheers, tries to be dignified, and engages in real estate talk.

IV

Babbitt enjoys the luxury of a private drawing-room and valet service on the train, then breakfasts with W. A. Rogers and sends a postcard to Tinka.

VI

Delivers a keynote address at the landmen's convention, gains recognition, and is pleased to see his picture in the Zenith newspaper.

VII

Participates in the Zenith delegation's circus parade as a clown, beating a bass drum and appearing extraordinarily happy and noisy.

VIII

Attends the convention, feels pride and excitement upon his committee appointment.

IX

Enjoys tea with the Sassburgers, then leads a drinking party with fellow delegates, expressing a desire to 'bust loose.'

Chapter X

Participates in the dinner, reads the burlesque ad aloud, and joins in the tipping.

XI

Attends burlesque show, drinks heavily, dances, sings, quarrels, and visits a red-light district, feeling both rebellion and shame.

Chapter XIV

Emerges as a prominent orator and campaigner for Lucas Prout, delivering speeches and relishing his role as a solid citizen.

I

Serves as precinct-leader on Floral Heights and campaigns for Lucas Prout, gaining a reputation for oratory and enjoying his role as a 'Good Fellow'.

II

Delivers a political speech for Lucas Prout at Turnverein Hall, receiving applause and praise from his family.

III

Delivers the Annual Address at the Zenith Real Estate Board dinner, outlining his vision of the ideal American citizen and celebrating the defeat of Seneca Doane.

Chapter IV

Delivers a lecture on real estate and dialect stories, reveling in his reputation as a prominent citizen.

Chapter XV

Anxiously seeks social advancement through his university class dinner and later hosts the McKelveys, but finds the evening strained.

I

Fretting over his social standing and looking forward to the class-dinner.

Chapter II

Attends the alumni dinner, seeks social conquest, and tries to ingratiate himself with Charles McKelvey.

III

Hosts the dinner, tries hard to be agreeable, but feels the evening's failure.

IV

Reads the society column about the McKelveys' dinner, discusses it at the club, and later feels oppressed by futility and suspicion that the McKelveys are laughing at him.

V

Reluctantly visits Ed Overbrook, feels superior yet guilty, and later avoids further contact.

Chapter XVI

Babbitt immerses himself in Sunday School journals and committee work, seeking purification and publicity after social rejection.

I

Feels guilty and absurd after not being accepted by the McKelveys; compensates by increasing his involvement in lodges and clubs; clashes with Stanley Graff and Miss McGoun; finds relaxation with Paul Riesling.

II

Attends church and is flattered to be asked for advice by Dr. Drew.

III

Babbitt examines his own vague theology and investigates the Sunday school classes, finding them tedious until he discovers the professional Sunday school journals.

IV

Babbitt ponders the value of Sunday School journals and resolves to adopt a more enterprising Christian life.

Chapter XVII

Orchestrates publicity for himself and Dr. Drew, proposes business-like reforms for the Sunday School, and cultivates a profitable relationship with Eathorne.

I

Proposes aggressive, commercial strategies for Sunday School growth; awed by Eathorne's status.

II

Drives through the city, feeling ambitious and youthful, aspiring to be like Eathorne.

Chapter III

Receives the rank of colonel in the Sunday School, enjoys being called 'Colonel,' and takes credit for the school's growth; cultivates Kenneth Escott and leverages his connection to Eathorne for social gain.

IV

Suggests boosting Dr. Drew's publicity and defends the preacher's self-interest.

V

Arranges a dinner with Dr. Drew and Eathorne, leveraging the event for business gain and later securing a private loan.

Chapter XVIII

Struggles with his role as father, feeling ignored and burdened; experiences a moment of disillusionment during illness.

I

Babbitt is depicted as an average father—affectionate, bullying, opinionated, ignorant, and wistful. He worries about his son Ted's future and his relationship with Eunice Littlefield, and he becomes playfully hopeful about Kenneth Escott's interest in Verona.

Chapter II

Feels sidelined and disrespected by his children; tries to impose old-fashioned party games but is ignored; becomes suspicious and envious of the young partygoers.

IV

Expresses frustration with his children, particularly Verona's intellectual courtship, and feels bored by family life.

V

Feels overwhelmed by supporting three generations of family; during illness, he introspects on the mechanical quality of his life.

Chapter XIX

Closes a lucrative real estate deal, confronts Stanley Graff's dishonesty, and in Chicago discovers Paul Riesling with another woman before befriending Sir Gerald Doak.

I

Orchestrates the Traction Company deal and fires Stanley Graff for dishonesty.

Chapter II

Struggles with firing Graff, feels guilt over concealing a federal crime, and hires Fritz Weilinger as a replacement.

III

Takes Ted to Chicago for business, bonds with him, and later feels lonely; befriends Sir Gerald Doak.

IV

Lying in bed at his hotel, daydreaming about boasting of his acquaintance with Sir Gerald Doak and lecturing Lucile McKelvey.

V

Dines at the Regency Hotel and discovers Paul Riesling with a woman, feeling disturbed and protective.

Chapter XX

Visits Zilla Riesling to borrow a thermos and later confronts Paul in Chicago, attempting to mediate the Rieslings' marital conflict.

I

Confronts Paul about his affair, offers to lie to Zilla, and waits anxiously in Paul's hotel room.

Chapter II

Visits Zilla Riesling to mediate her marital conflict with Paul; later goes out with the Rieslings and hears Paul's confession of despair.

Chapter XXI

Attends the Boosters' Club lunch, is elected vice-president, and later learns of Paul Riesling's crime.

Chapter XXII

Visits Paul in prison, tries to comfort him, offers to perjure himself, and struggles with the aftermath of Paul's arrest.

I

Visits Paul in prison, tries to help, offers to perjure himself, feels helpless and angry at the hypocrisy of others.

II

Nerves himself to face the Athletic Club and feels love for his friends at the Roughnecks' Table.

III

Attends Paul's trial and says goodbye at the station, then returns to his office feeling lost.

Chapter XXIII

Feeling restless and free after his wife's departure, Babbitt questions the meaning of his life and flirts with Louetta Swanson.

I

Restless and alone in the house, Babbitt reads books that disturb his conventional worldview, encounters a drunken Chum Frink, and falls asleep on the davenport after contemplating the futility of his life.

II

Feels rebellious, goes to the movies during work hours, and becomes irritable when teased by his friends at the club.

Chapter III

Dictates to Miss McGoun and tries to warm her impersonal office demeanor with small talk about her vacation.

IV

Attends the Swansons' party, flirts with Louetta, and feels a mix of desire and shame.

Chapter XXIV

Visits Paul in prison, feels a part of himself die, and begins flirtations with Tanis Judique and Ida Putiak.

I

Visits Paul in prison and experiences a profound internal shift, losing faith in the goodness of the world and his own pride in success.

II

Flirts with Tanis Judique while showing her an apartment, feeling both attracted and cautious.

III

Feeling rebellious, Babbitt chooses the Pompeian Barber Shop over his usual barber. He is attracted to the manicure girl Ida Putiak and invites her to dinner.

IV

Plans a dinner with Ida Putiak, struggles with his car, feels frustrated and self-critical after a failed romantic attempt.

Chapter XXV

Awakens in rebellion, questioning his discontent; reluctantly welcomes Myra home; takes a solitary vacation to Maine seeking Paul's spirit; hires Joe Paradise but is disappointed by the lack of romantic adventure; feels lonely and freed on the lake at night.

I

Awakens in rebellion, questioning his discontent and reflecting on his failed romantic pursuits.

II

Dreads his wife's return and the need to feign ardor, but performs his expected role dutifully.

III

Returns to Maine alone, seeking Paul's spirit; feels lonely and disillusioned with his life.

IV

Attempts a camping trip in Maine with guide Joe Paradise, but finds himself unable to escape thoughts of his work, family, and social circle. Realizes he cannot run away from himself and returns to Zenith.

Chapter XXVI

Returns from his wilderness retreat and struggles to maintain his new liberal identity, clashing with Zilla and tentatively reconnecting with Seneca Doane.

I

Babbitt encounters Seneca Doane on a train, engages in conversation about liberalism and ideals, and agrees to defend Beecher Ingram.

Chapter II

Visits Zilla to plead for Paul's pardon, attempting to be generous and liberal, but is rebuffed.

III

Returns from his wilderness stay and quickly resumes his old life, though with a slightly more irritable demeanor and a faint liberal impulse.

Chapter XXVII

Babbitt experiences growing unease about the strike, publicly criticizes Dr. Drew's sermon, and expresses sympathy for the strikers, causing friction with his friends.

I

Attends Dr. Drew's sermon; mutters 'Oh, rot!' at the preacher's platitudes, showing early signs of doubt about conventional wisdom.

Chapter II

Observes the strike, initially hostile but later questions his views; defends strikers at the Athletic Club.

III

Overhears Chum Frink's complaint about his criticism of a sermon, feeling vaguely frightened.

IV

Stops his car to observe the crowd and speaker, then feels disquieted by Virgil Gunch's gaze and drives on.

V

Babbitt tries to express a more liberal view on strikers but is dismissed by his wife, leaving him feeling misunderstood and restless.

Chapter XXVIII

Visits Tanis Judique's apartment, flirts, lies to his wife, and stays for a private supper.

Chapter XXIX

Deepens his affair with Tanis Judique, becomes experimental and rebellious at the Athletic Club, defends Seneca Doane, and descends into heavy drinking and partying with the Bunch.

I

Babbitt becomes cocky and experimental, praising Seneca Doane and arguing with the Roughnecks' Table.

Chapter II

Deeply involved in an affair with Tanis Judique, he feels both exultation and fear of exposure, and becomes distant from his wife.

III

Driven by desire and a midlife crisis, Babbitt joins 'The Bunch,' drinks heavily, and tries to act young, but feels trapped by the group's demands and his own aging.

IV

Engages in a two-week spree of drinking and partying with the Doppelbraus and Tanis's Bunch, feeling shame and paranoia about being discovered.

Chapter XXX

Struggles with guilt and desire for independence after Myra's return; resents her scrutiny and longs for Tanis.

I

Babbitt is conflicted about his wife's return, torn between guilt over his secret activities and a desire to maintain his freedom.

II

Drifts away from his wife, spends evenings with the Bunch, and longs for Tanis Judique.

Chapter III

Defensive and irritable with Myra, he complains about the routine of work and home, resists her suggestions about smoking and drinking, and reluctantly agrees to attend a New Thought meeting.

IV

Suffers through the lecture, openly critical of its emptiness; argues with Myra about her spiritual interests and his own dissatisfaction.

Chapter XXXI

Frustrated by domestic and professional pressures, he seeks escape with Tanis but ultimately decides to end the affair.

Chapter I

Babbitt is torn between his desire for peace and his complicated feelings for Tanis Judique, resenting her demands yet feeling drawn to her.

Chapter II

Feels excluded by Verg Gunch and the Good Citizens' League; listens to complaints from Mat Penniman and Conrad Lyte; visits Tanis Judique and decides to end the affair.

Chapter XXXII

Resists pressure to join the Good Citizens' League, asserts independence, but feels increasingly isolated and fearful of social and professional consequences.

Chapter I

Returns home late, argues with Myra, admits to visiting Tanis Judique, and asserts his independence.

II

Disaffected and critical at the Boosters' Club lunch, he grumbles about the congressman's speech and defends immigrants, but quickly backtracks when Dr. Dilling glowers at him.

III

Feels small and insignificant before the powerful visitors, but finds a defiant voice to resist their pressure to join the Good Citizens' League.

Chapter IV

Feels discomfort after Virgil Gunch snubs him; argues with Myra about the Good Citizens' League; longs to call Tanis Judique but hesitates.

V

Experiences paranoia and fear of social ostracism after his liberal outburst; seeks comfort from Ted and Eunice.

Chapter XXXIII

Rejoins the Good Citizens' League, ending his rebellion. Grapples with his wife's illness, rekindling his marital devotion.

Chapter I

Struggles with his wife's sudden illness, experiences a shift from resentment to devotion, and confronts his own mortality and middle-age.

Chapter II

Visits his wife in the hospital daily, hints at his affair with Tanis Judique, and ultimately decides to join the Good Citizens' League, renouncing his earlier rebellion.

Chapter XXXIV

Returns to the Boosters' Club and is warmly welcomed back; struggles with his conscience over a dishonest deal; ultimately supports Ted's marriage and career choice.

The Good Citizens' League

Mentioned as a member of the Good Citizens' League who helps raise funds for the Y.M.C.A.

II

Seeks reassurance from Dr. Drew about his salvation after returning to the church and the Good Citizens' League.

III

Relieved after Verona's wedding, he returns to his domestic and club routines.

IV

Subject of the club's playful hazing about his middle name; responds with a self-deprecating speech to regain approval.

Chapter V

Struggles with his conscience over the Traction deal, feeling trapped by conformity.

VI

Defends Ted against the family's criticism and privately supports his decision to marry Eunice and pursue a factory job.