# Major Clyde Lockert — Dodsworth character guide

> Major Clyde Lockert in Dodsworth by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lockert, Clyde Lockert

**First appearance:** 0006-v

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/vi)

Acts as the mixer of the voyage, proprietorially attentive to Fran, and interrupts Sam and Fran's private moment on deck.

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

Mentioned as a helpful but patronizing acquaintance from the ship; Fran declines to invite him.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/viii)

Sends Fran roses and invites the Dodsworths to his cousin's country house for the weekend.

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

Drives the party to Herndon's estate; engages Fran's attention and is described as ruddy and spinsterish.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/x)

Flirtatious with Fran, touches her shoulder and turns her music, prompting Sam's jealousy.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xi)

Mentors the Dodsworths socially, takes them to nightclubs, and leaves for the Riviera; Fran does not rebuke his ardent glance.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xiii)

Mentioned in Sam's thoughts as a 'featherweight' that Fran might be falling for, highlighting Sam's jealousy and insecurity.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxii)

Mentioned in Sam's thoughts as the first to stir Fran's desire for admiration from other men.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/lockert
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters