# Dennis Fleet — Barriers Burned Away character guide > Dennis Fleet in Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Dennis, Fleet, honest Dennis, poor Dennis **First appearance:** 0005-iii-launched ## Snapshot A classics-trained dreamer who takes a porter's job in a music store, trusting God to lead him upward from Pat Murphy's shoes. ## Who they are Dennis Fleet arrives in Chicago expecting the world to be barely large enough for his ambitions, then gratefully accepts the lowliest position in Mr. Ludolph's store. Eager where his German supervisor is phlegmatic, he works with an earnestness that unsettles the old clerks and quietly begins to study art under poor Bruder. His habit of doing present duty thoroughly — and praying for the proud, beautiful woman he works beside — sets the moral engine of the story in motion. ## Relationships ### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph) _romantic_ Central romantic pair with intense emotional and spiritual connection, evolving from tension to deep love. ### [Mr. Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_ludolph) _professional_ Dennis works for Mr. Ludolph as an employee, with underlying tension due to Dennis's romantic interest in Christine. ### [Mr. Bruder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_bruder) _professional_ Colleagues at the art gallery, with Mr. Bruder serving as a mentor and ally to Dennis. ### [Mr. Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_fleet) _family_ Father-son relationship, with Mr. Fleet supporting Dennis's ambitions and moral growth. ### [Bill Cronk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/bill_cronk) _friendship_ Close friends and coworkers, with Bill often providing comic relief and loyal support. ### [Ernst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/ernst) _friendship_ Mutual respect and camaraderie, with Ernst aiding Dennis in his pursuits. ### [Mr. Schwartz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_schwartz) _professional_ Business associate and art dealer, with a transactional but respectful relationship. ### [Mr. Berder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_berder) _professional_ Colleague in the art world, with a cooperative working dynamic. ### [Miss Winthrop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/miss_winthrop) _friendship_ Friendly acquaintances, with Miss Winthrop offering moral support to Dennis. ### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph) _romantic_ Central romantic pair with intense emotional and spiritual connection, evolving from tension to deep love. ### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph) _romantic_ Central romantic pair with intense emotional and spiritual connection, evolving from tension to deep love. ### [Mr. Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/mr_ludolph) _professional_ Dennis works for Mr. Ludolph as an employee, with underlying tension due to Dennis's romantic interest in Christine. ## In the story ### [Barriers Burned Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/barriers-burned-away) Arrives in Chicago and is hired as a porter at Ludolph's store, beginning his journey of ambition and self-improvement. ### [I: Love Unknown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/i-love-unknown) Returns home through a blizzard to find his father ill and despairing; his presence brings both shock and comfort to his parents. ### [II: Love Known](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/ii-love-known) Witnesses his father's death and spiritual reconciliation, and is entrusted with the care of his mother and sisters. ### [III: Launched](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/iii-launched) Sanguine and ambitious, Dennis leaves for Chicago to seek fortune, believing he can overcome any obstacle. He is both wise and naive, unaware of the social distinctions that await him. ### [IV: Cold Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/iv-cold-water) Arrives in Chicago with ten dollars, seeks employment, faces multiple rejections, loses his way, and struggles with temptation and self-reproach. ### [V: A Hornet's Nest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/v-a-hornet-s-nest) Resolves to approach the day with precision and self-control; writes a restrained letter to his mother; secures then loses a job due to his association with Gavin's Hotel; is extorted by the bartender and leaves in shame. ### [VI: “Starve Then!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/vi-starve-then) Desperately searches for work, refuses a barroom job on principle, and sinks into despair and doubt. ### [A Good Samaritan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/vii-a-good-samaritan) Sits dejected in a bar, feeling hopeless about his job prospects and his family's welfare, but is uplifted by Bill Cronk's kindness and advice. ### [VIII: Yahcob Bunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/viii-yahcob-bunk) Dennis reads his Bible, prays for guidance, and decides to trust God for temporal needs. He works shoveling snow, earns money, and pays his board. ### [IX: Land at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/ix-land-at-last) Hired as porter at Ludolph's store after clearing the sidewalk and applying for the position; demonstrates honesty and dignity. ### [X: The New Broom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/x-the-new-broom) Begins work as porter, writes to his mother about his spiritual awakening, shows artistic sensitivity, and handles the bootblack incident with dignity. ### [XI: Too Much Alike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xi-too-much-alike) Deeply affected by the painting; feels embarrassed when Christine appears and he is caught staring. ### [Blue Blood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xii-blue-blood) Working as a porter, he overhears Christine's offer and feels a deep interest in her and her artistic knowledge, though he is dismissed as insignificant by her. His beauty-loving nature is drawn to her despite recognizing flaws. ### [XIII: Very Cold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xiii-very-cold) Observes Christine from a distance, fascinated by her beauty and artistic interest, but troubled by her coldness. He dreams of bridging the social gulf through shared love of art. ### [XIV: She Speaks to Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xiv-she-speaks-to-him) Works as a bootblack, feels humiliated by Christine's treatment, but resolves to keep his word and endure his position with patience and prayer. ### [Promoted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xv-promoted) Demonstrates artistic skill in arranging the display, remains honest under pressure, and is promoted after Berder's deception is exposed. ### [Just in Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xvi-just-in-time) Arrives at the Bruder attic at the critical moment, blocking Bruder from selling the painting. ### [Rescued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xvii-rescued) Acts as a rescuer and friend, providing financial and emotional support to the Bruder family, arranging art lessons, and hiring Ernst. ### [Miss Ludolph Makes a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xviii-miss-ludolph-makes-a-discovery) Oversleeps after a troubled night, is awoken by Christine's singing, defends his late night, brings Ernst into the store, receives his mother's letter, and advises Mr. Bruder on art. ### [XIX: What Is the Matter with Him?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xix-what-is-the-matter-with-him) Determined to avoid being awakened by Christine's music; shows care in his toilet; demonstrates artistic taste and intelligence during the picture arrangement; reveals his ambition to learn about art; later reflects on Christine's spiritual state and vows to pray for her. ### [XX: Is He a Gentleman?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xx-is-he-a-gentleman) Arrives at the Winthrop mansion expecting to be treated as a gentleman, but is humiliated when the ladies refuse to introduce him. He resolves to endure for his family and vows to rise in society. ### [Christine's Idea of Christians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxi-christine-s-idea-of-christians) Assists with the stage setup with quiet dignity, is hurt by Christine's unbelief, and resolves to defend his faith. ### [Equal to an Emergency](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxii-equal-to-an-emergency) Defends his faith with the fiery cross, demonstrates musical genius, and maintains composure under social snubs. ### [The Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxiii-the-revelation) Sings with Christine, moves the audience with heartfelt emotion, and experiences the painful revelation of his love for her. ### [Night Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxiv-night-thoughts) Struggles with his love for Christine, feeling hopeless due to class barriers and religious scruples; ultimately submits to God's will. ### [XXV: Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxv-darkness) Overhears the diagnosis, realizes his love for Christine is irrevocable, and offers his mother as a nurse. ### [Miss Ludolph Commits a Theft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxvi-miss-ludolph-commits-a-theft) Anxiously inquires about Christine's health and sends her strawberries anonymously. ### [A Miserable Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxvii-a-miserable-triumph) Dennis secretly studies painting in the attic, grows thin from overwork, and feels ignored by Christine. He is the only one who can distinguish the original painting from the copy. ### [Life Without Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxviii-life-without-love) Tormented by his harsh words, he wanders the streets and listens to Christine's music, believing he has lost her regard. ### [XXIX: Dennis's Love Put to Practical Use](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxix-dennis-s-love-put-to-practical-use) Despondent after criticizing Christine's art, he hears her sing and feels deeper love. He later encourages her artistic potential, but becomes a victim of her manipulation. ### [The Two Heights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxx-the-two-heights) Torn between hope and fear, he begins painting a symbolic two-part picture to convey his love. He is manipulated by Christine, who studies his expressions for her art, and he grows thin and pale from emotional strain and sleepless work. ### [Beguiled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxi-beguiled) Perplexed and hopeful, Dennis is increasingly captivated by Christine's attention, though he senses something inexplicable in her manner. ### [Bitter Disappointment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxii-bitter-disappointment) Returns to work with hope, confides in his mother, and ultimately confronts Christine about her manipulation, leaving her in despair. ### [The Two Pictures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-two-pictures) Faints from exhaustion after leaving Christine; is carried to his room and attended by Dr. Arten and the Bruders. ### [Regret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxiv-regret) Reported to be dying or dead; his condition is the source of Christine's guilt and Mr. Ludolph's concern. ### [XXXV: Remorse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxv-remorse) Though not physically present, he is central to Christine's thoughts—she recalls his honest admiration, his genius, and his pale, reproachful face, believing she caused his death. ### [An Apparition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxvi-an-apparition) Returns to the store after illness, confronts Christine's belief he is dead, and later moves his mother to Chicago. ### [If He Knew!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxvii-if-he-knew) Believes Christine is heartless and avoids her, though he still loves her; struggles to forget her. ### [The Gates Open](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-gates-open) Grieves his mother's death, feels betrayed by Christine, and is fired by Mr. Ludolph. ### [Susie Winthrop Appears Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxix-susie-winthrop-appears-again) Works tirelessly on his prize painting, following a disciplined regimen of health and art; withdraws from society except for worship and mission work; meets Susie Winthrop and confides in her about his love and disappointment. ### [Suggestive Pictures and a Prize](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xl-suggestive-pictures-and-a-prize) Submits his diptych painting, wins the prize, and remains outwardly calm despite inner agitation. ### [XLI: Fire! Fire!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xli-fire-fire) Rushes to save the Bruder family from the fire, wins a prize at the art exhibition, and coldly rebuffs Christine's congratulations. ### [Baron Ludolph Learns the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlii-baron-ludolph-learns-the-truth) Acts as a selfless rescuer during the fire, saving a woman, a child, and Miss Brown; confronts Mr. Ludolph's reckless defiance. ### [Christine, Awake! For Your Life!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xliii-christine-awake-for-your-life) Overcomes paralysis after witnessing Mr. Ludolph's death, fights through the mob, climbs to Christine's balcony, and leads her through the fire. ### [On the Beach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xliv-on-the-beach) Rescues Christine and carries her to safety on the beach; remains vigilant and protective, singing hymns and helping others despite the ongoing peril. ### [XLV: “Prayer Is Mighty”—Christine a Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlv-prayer-is-mighty-christine-a-christian) Prays earnestly for Christine, directs her to help a sick German woman, and rejoices at her conversion. ### [Christine's Grave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlvi-christine-s-grave) Finds Dr. Arten, arranges Christine's rest in a grave, watches over her through the rainy night, leads her northward to Dr. Goodwin's church. ### [XLVII: Susie Winthrop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlvii-susie-winthrop) Comforts Christine, reveals her father's death, and learns of her unfulfilled attempts to visit his mother. ### [Doctor Arten Struck by Lightning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlviii-doctor-arten-struck-by-lightning) Comforts Christine with a Bible story, secures work as a laborer, and maintains respectful distance due to Christine's title and planned departure. ### [Bill Cronk's Toast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlix-bill-cronk-s-toast) Works all day shoveling bricks, spends his last money on a supper for Christine but gives it to the Bruder children, then brings the orphans to the church. ### [Every Barrier Burned Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/l-every-barrier-burned-away) Supports Christine through her grief, confesses his love, and is accepted. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters