# Mr. Hartbeest Schneidekoupon — Democracy character guide

> Mr. Hartbeest Schneidekoupon in Democracy by Henry Adams.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Schneidekoupon, Schneidekoupon, poor Schneidekoupon

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A wealthy young New York banker of grandiose ancestry, Schneidekoupon pursues Victoria Dare while serving as the party's obliging host and piano-requesting gallant.

## Who they are

Schneidekoupon moves through Washington society as a rich New Yorker whose family claims descent from all the Kings of Israel and is prouder than Solomon in his glory, a lineage his sister Julia defends with severe dignity. He is among Victoria Dare's suitors, and it is at his request that Sybil sits down at the piano to sing her ironic hymn, a small moment that helps disperse the tension after Jacobi's harangue. His money and marital prospects make him a specimen of the novel's larger theme: how American wealth and democratic ambition negotiate with the older claims of blood and title.

## In the story

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

Hosts the dinner and later plans a lobby dinner to influence Ratcliffe; confides in Mrs. Lee about Ratcliffe's evasive response.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/chapters/vii)

Returns mysteriously, speaks of interviews with Ratcliffe and attempts to unite New York and Pennsylvania interests.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/chapters/ix)

Mentioned by Sybil as someone who also urges her to act regarding Madeleine and Ratcliffe.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/chapters/conclusion)

Traveling to Europe with Sybil and Madeleine; promises to send his yacht to the Mediterranean.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/characters/hartbeest_schneidekoupon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/characters