Dodsworth · Character

Major Clyde Lockert

A brash American businessman abroad whose easy confidence and worldly patter make Sam feel like a provincial in his own expatriate life.

supporting

Also known as Lockert, Clyde Lockert

First appearance: V

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Major Clyde Lockert is the kind of American Sam keeps running into in European bars and hotels: loud, self-assured, and fluent in the codes of a world Sam never learned. He represents the alternative version of the expatriate life, one of easy cynicism and social ease, and his presence sharpens Sam's sense of being outclassed in his own marriage's new milieu. He is a minor figure, but he helps map the social terrain Sam is failing to navigate.

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See Major Clyde Lockert in V

Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

European acquaintances
Fran's European circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because Fran’s monologue marks the emotional and psychological peak of her…

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In the story

Major Clyde Lockert appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
Lockert is a confident, worldly Englishman who teases Fran about American snobbery and quickly establishes a rapport with her, dancing and conversing easily.
VI
Acts as the mixer of the voyage, proprietorially attentive to Fran, and interrupts Sam and Fran's private moment on deck.
VII
Mentioned as a helpful but patronizing acquaintance from the ship; Fran declines to invite him.
VIII
Sends Fran roses and invites the Dodsworths to his cousin's country house for the weekend.
IX
Drives the party to Herndon's estate; engages Fran's attention and is described as ruddy and spinsterish.
Chapter X
Flirtatious with Fran, touches her shoulder and turns her music, prompting Sam's jealousy.
XI
Mentors the Dodsworths socially, takes them to nightclubs, and leaves for the Riviera; Fran does not rebuke his ardent glance.
XIII
Mentioned in Sam's thoughts as a 'featherweight' that Fran might be falling for, highlighting Sam's jealousy and insecurity.
Chapter XXII
Mentioned in Sam's thoughts as the first to stir Fran's desire for admiration from other men.

Chapter companion notes

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See Major Clyde Lockert in V