Chapter XIX
Nathaniel's daughter, a devout church worker who falls in love with Elmer at first sight.
II
The choir leader and daughter of a trustee, she welcomes Elmer to the church and is instantly attracted to him.
III
A devout church-worker, aged 27, who plays the organ, leads the choir, and superintends the juvenile Sunday School. She seeks a husband who is a preacher or doctor, and is attracted to Elmer Gantry.
IV
Daughter of the Benhams; her beauty and poise enchant Elmer, who sees her as a prize.
Chapter XX
Supports Elmer by taking him for drives and waiting with the choir; becomes the focus of Elmer's life.
II
Waits for Elmer with the choir, holds his hand, and is moved to tears by his sermon.
III
Superintendent of the juvenile Sunday School department; Elmer observes her affectionate and natural way with the children.
V
Stands hypnotized, speaking in a trance and walking out beside Elmer, deeply affected by his sermon.
VII
Proud of Elmer's welcome, performs a piano solo at the reception.
Elmer's Literary Pursuits
Cleo lends Elmer books, but he finds her too well-read to be a suitable companion for his literary explorations.
XII
Becomes the central focus of Elmer's life.
Chapter XXI
Engaged to Elmer, marries him in January, supports his career at Conference.
I
The object of Elmer's courtship; she is in love with him but he does not feel fully stirred by her.
II
Found upset by Elmer; accepts his advances and engagement.
III
Marries Elmer; is rosy and excited during the wedding preparations.
IV
Cleo is exhausted from wedding preparations and emotionally vulnerable, seeking reassurance from Elmer but struggling to express her needs without provoking his anger.
V
Cleo is terrified and passive, reluctantly submitting to Elmer's advances and weeping afterward, her modesty mocked by her new husband.
Chapter VI
Cleo finds some happiness in domestic life as the Pastor's Wife, but Elmer is disappointed in her as a lover and largely ignores her, focusing instead on his career.
Chapter VIII
Praises Elmer's funeral sermon but is dismissed by him; she manages the Sunday School and church sisters tactfully.
IX
Accompanies Elmer to the Conference, her graciousness and admiration for him bolster his reputation among the clerical politicians.
Elmer's Conference Examination
Cleo is present as Elmer condescends to her after his successful examination.
I
Elmer's wife, who gives birth to their two children and struggles with his demands for passion, ultimately sobbing after his outburst.
Chapter XXIII
Cleo secures two thousand dollars from her father for their new home in Old Town and furnishes it with taste, though Elmer pressures her and later criticizes her.
I
Elmer's wife, only belatedly thought of by Elmer after his inspection.
Chapter II
Elmer's wife, who is mentioned as having a headache and is sent home early so Elmer can visit the Rigg home alone.
IV
Cleo secures two thousand dollars from her father and furnishes the old house with taste, but is misunderstood by Elmer when she questions his remarks about Methodism.
V
Elmer's wife, criticized by him for both neglecting housework and not helping enough with church work.
VI
Cleo is the target of Elmer's morning snarls about breakfast and the furnace, bearing the brunt of his Sunday irritability.
Chapter XXV
Cleo's presence stiffens the Young Married Set; Elmer finds her depressing and lies to her about his social calls.
I
Cleo is Elmer's wife, whose presence stiffens the Young Married Set into propriety; Elmer finds her depressing and avoids her.
III
Elmer dismisses his marriage to Cleo, claiming she was never truly married to him.
IX
Tends to Elmer's wound with concern, tries to placate his ego, but is dismissed by him as unappealing.
Chapter XXVII
Elmer considers her priggish and imagines her death; she remains at home while he travels.
II
Elmer finds Cleo's solemn presence tiresome and plans to leave her behind while he travels for the Chautauqua engagement.
Chapter XXX
Elmer's wife, who accompanies him to Europe and admires his preaching, though she is unaware of his inner thoughts.
V
Mentioned as Elmer's wife, who has filled his schedule with social engagements.
VI
Accompanies Elmer on his first European trip.
IX
Cleo is seasick and largely ignored by Elmer during the journey.
Elmer and Cleo in London
Accompanies Elmer on their trip to London, largely silent as he makes dismissive observations about the city.
XII
Rides with Elmer on the bus, praises his speech, and expresses surprise at his past difficulties.
XIII
Gapes into a perfumer's window; interrupts Elmer's transaction with the postcard seller.
XIV
Elmer's wife; her birthday is mentioned as a potential conflict for Elmer's lecture engagement.
Chapter XXXI
Elmer's wife, criticized by Elmer for being cold and unsupportive, but his mother defends her as suffering from neglect.
V
Referenced as Elmer's wife who allegedly suspects the affair and threatens to hire detectives.
VIII
Mentioned as neglected by Elmer, described as devout and suffering.
I
Cleo is Elmer's wife, who is deceived by his excuse about visiting a dying woman.
V
Rejoices at Elmer's attention and invitation to a concert.
Chapter XXXIII
Elmer's wife; initially supports him and is relieved by his vindication.
V
Furiously defends Elmer against the charges.