Zilla Riesling

George F. Babbitt

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

Paul Riesling

A deeply unhappy and abusive marriage where Zilla's constant criticism and control drive Paul to desperation and ultimately to violence.

George F. Babbitt

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

Paul Riesling

A deeply unhappy and abusive marriage where Zilla's constant criticism and control drive Paul to desperation and ultimately to violence.

Paul Riesling

A deeply unhappy and abusive marriage where Zilla's constant criticism and control drive Paul to desperation and ultimately to violence.

George F. Babbitt

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

Chapter V

Mentioned as a source of Paul's frustration; her behavior at the movies is described.

Chapter III

Described by Paul as domineering, flirtatious, and a source of his unhappiness; an incident at the movies is recounted.

IV

Mentioned as the woman who captivated Paul and mocked Babbitt as a country boy.

Chapter X

Verbally attacks Paul; is confronted by Babbitt and breaks down, agreeing to let Paul go to Maine.

I

Alternates between furious accusations and melodramatic self-abasement, enjoying the drama.

Chapter XIV

Accompanies Paul to Babbitt's campaign speech.

II

Present in the car with the group, though not directly quoted.

Chapter XV

Mentioned as the source of Paul's troubles before the dinner.

Chapter II

Referenced as the cause of Paul's glumness due to a recent quarrel.

Chapter XVI

Zilla is silent during Paul's violin playing, allowing a moment of peace.

I

Paul's wife; she is silent when Paul plays violin in the evening.

Chapter XX

Appears disheveled and bitter, accusing Paul of infidelity and lamenting their strained marriage.

I

Referenced as Paul's nagging wife who suspects his infidelity and is capable of having him shadowed.

Chapter II

Receives Babbitt's visit; appears disheveled and bitter, argues about Paul's alleged infidelity and his silent treatment, but promises to restrain herself.

Chapter XXII

Shot by Paul; hospitalized but expected to recover; her shoulder is badly injured.

I

Shot by Paul; hospitalized but not expected to die; Babbitt visits the hospital to inquire about her condition.

III

Mentioned as the victim; doctors testify she will recover.

Chapter XXV

Mentioned in Babbitt's thoughts as a source of Paul's misery; part of the 'brisk exactitudes' from which Paul is imagined to be freed.

IV

Babbitt wonders what she is doing, reflecting his preoccupation with the lives of his acquaintances.

Chapter XXVI

Now deeply religious, she delivers a fiery sermon to Babbitt, celebrating Paul's imprisonment as divine punishment.

I

Babbitt feels sorry for Zilla Riesling in his newfound idealistic mood.

Chapter II

Now aged, bitter, and fanatically religious; she refuses to forgive Paul and insists he stay in prison as an example.