Brewster’s Millions · Character

Barbara Drew

A sharp, self-possessed society beauty who enjoys Monty's pursuit but refuses to be managed or taken for granted.

supporting

Also known as Miss Barbara Drew, Miss Drew, Babs, Barbara Drew, Drew

As a supporting figure in Brewster’s Millions, Barbara Drew is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as possibly influencing the relationship between Monty and Colonel Drew.

In the storyII: Shades of AladdinOpen this moment free

See Barbara Drew in II: Shades of Aladdin Book page

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Barbara Drew moves easily through New York's fashionable set, courted by Monty and by the brash Californian Rodney Grimes. She resents Monty's assumption that he can dictate her friendships, and her cool, cutting replies expose the hollowness of his possessiveness. Her refusal to be a prize in his campaign forces Brewster to confront what he actually wants, sharpening the contrast with Peggy's patient devotion.

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The fuller portrait of Barbara Drew sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Barbara Drew in iii mrs and miss gray

Character Web

24 connections

A slice of how Barbara Drew sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Social circle and rivals
Close friends and allies
Family, servants, and minor acquaintances
Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Monty’s decision to veto Dan’s shooting trip and book passage to New York on the fastest boat marks the emotio…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Montgomery Brewster
romantic · ambivalent
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love… How this plays out →
Peggy Gray
rivalry · negative
Colonel Drew
family · positive
Montgomery Brewster
romantic · ambivalent
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love… How this plays out →
Montgomery Brewster
romantic · ambivalent
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love… How this plays out →
Colonel Drew
family · positive
Peggy Gray
rivalry · negative
Colonel Drew
family · positive
Peggy Gray
rivalry · negative

Montgomery Brewster
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love triangle with Peggy.
Peggy Gray
Barbara and Peggy are romantic rivals for Montgomery's affection, leading to tension between them.
Colonel Drew
Colonel Drew is Barbara's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual interests.
Montgomery Brewster
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love triangle with Peggy.
Montgomery Brewster
Barbara is a wealthy socialite who pursues Montgomery romantically, creating a love triangle with Peggy.
Colonel Drew
Colonel Drew is Barbara's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual interests.
Peggy Gray
Barbara and Peggy are romantic rivals for Montgomery's affection, leading to tension between them.
Colonel Drew
Colonel Drew is Barbara's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual interests.
Peggy Gray
Barbara and Peggy are romantic rivals for Montgomery's affection, leading to tension between them.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Barbara Drew in iii mrs and miss gray

In the story

Barbara Drew appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Shades of Aladdin
Mentioned as possibly influencing the relationship between Monty and Colonel Drew.
IV: A Second
Mentioned as having charm for Montgomery the night before; he was thinking of her when he entered the lawyers' office.
V: The Message from Jones
Accompanies Monty on a reckless drive; amused by his urgency and driving skill.
A Lesson in Tact
Mentioned as a potential dinner guest; Mrs. DeMille hints that inviting her might cause gossip.
VIII: The Forelock of Time
The object of Monty's affection; she sat next to the Duke of Beauchamp at dinner, sparking Monty's jealousy, though she forgave him after his encounter with 'The Censor.'
IX: Love and a Prizefight
Receives Monty's love confession but hesitates to commit.
X: Napoleon of Finance
Sees Monty often but senses a change in his attitude; receives daily flowers from him but feels his affection is now complacent.
XI: Coals of Fire
Runs a booth at the charity bazaar; is courted by Rodney Grimes; becomes resentful of Monty's possessiveness and accuses him of living an imitation life.
Christmas Despair
Barbara coldly ignores Monty after Christmas and returns his gift of pearls, deepening his despair.
A Friend in Need
Sarcastically criticizes Monty's financial stupidity after the first bank failure; later excludes him from her cotillon invitation despite his saving her father's bank.
XIV: Mrs. DeMille Entertains
Cold and resentful toward Monty; learns of his bank rescue but accuses him of ulterior motives.
XVI: In the Sunny South
Staying at the Ponce de Leon with her mother, she criticizes Monty's spending and insists she never accepted his proposal.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Barbara Drew unlock in the free preview.

See Barbara Drew in iii mrs and miss gray

See Barbara Drew in II: Shades of Aladdin