Elmer Gantry · Character

Cecil Aylston

An Episcopal minister and friend to Frank Shallard.

minor

Also known as Reverend Cecil Aylston

First appearance: chapter viii

Cecil Aylston's tie to Sharon Falconer is one of the pressures that moves Elmer Gantry—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Cecil Aylston, Sharon's first assistant, reads the Scripture lesson and dismisses Elmer's advances.

In the storyChapter XIOpen this moment free

See Cecil Aylston in Chapter XI Book page

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With Sharon Falconer (professional): Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic companion. With Sharon Falconer (professional): Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic companion. With Sharon Falconer (professional): Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic companion.

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

See Cecil Aylston in chapter viii

Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Elmer's early associates
Frank Shallard's circle
Elmer's romantic interests
Minor characters and background figures

+9 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

Elmer’s public vindication through Hettie’s confession and the immediate offers of prestigious positions mark…

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Relationships

Sharon Falconer
professional · positive
Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic… How this plays out →
Sharon Falconer
professional · positive
Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic… How this plays out →
Sharon Falconer
professional · positive
Cecil Aylston is Sharon Falconer's devoted, long-suffering business manager and platonic… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Cecil Aylston in chapter viii

In the story

Cecil Aylston appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XI
Cecil Aylston, Sharon's first assistant, reads the Scripture lesson and dismisses Elmer's advances.
I
Sharon's first assistant, an Oxonian who reads the Scripture lesson; he dismisses Elmer coolly, earning Elmer's resentment.
II
Cecil Aylston observes Elmer and Sharon's interaction with a lack of sanctity, and later manages the troupe's logistics like a quartermaster sergeant.
III
Sharon's assistant, described as having flaxen hair and a superior British complexion. He interrupts the breakfast to remind Sharon of a clergy committee meeting and glares at Elmer.
IV
A mystic, ritualist, scholar, and adventurer with a checkered past, now devoted to Sharon Falconer.
V
Brought by Sharon to dinner; he and Elmer clash over evangelistic methods, with Cecil favoring a more cultured approach.
Chapter VI
Mentioned by Elmer as the current assistant he hopes to replace in Sharon's team.
Chapter XII
Mentioned as Sharon's former mentor and lover, whom she plans to dismiss in favor of Elmer.
I
Mentioned as Sharon's former mentor and sermon writer, a source of Elmer's jealousy.
III
Mentioned as a rival for Sharon's affection, whom she plans to dismiss. He is critical of her grammar and sophistication.
Chapter XIII
Former assistant to Sharon; dismissed by Sharon; later dies in a gambling den in Juarez.
I
Discharged by Sharon Falconer, later attempts a rescue mission in Buffalo, is examined for insanity, and is killed in a gambling den in Juarez.
II
Briefly mentioned by Sharon as one of the few people who have helped her.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cecil Aylston unlock in the free preview.

See Cecil Aylston in chapter viii

See Cecil Aylston in Chapter XI