Elmer Gantry · Character

Deacon Bains

Lulu Bains's father, a deacon in the church.

minor

Also known as Mr. Bains, Pa Bains

First appearance: chapter iii

Deacon Bains shows up with force in Chapter VII. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Hosts Elmer and Frank at his farm; introduces Elmer to Lulu.

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In Chapter VII: Hosts Elmer and Frank at his farm; introduces Elmer to Lulu. Later, in Chapter VI: Deacon Bains hosts the dinner, expresses a harsh, exclusive Baptist theology, and pressures the young preachers to eat…

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See Deacon Bains in chapter iii

Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Local church figures
Elmer's early associates
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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In the story

Deacon Bains appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VII
Hosts Elmer and Frank at his farm; introduces Elmer to Lulu.
Chapter VI
Deacon Bains hosts the dinner, expresses a harsh, exclusive Baptist theology, and pressures the young preachers to eat and conform.
VII
Deacon Bains hosts the dinner and joins in the festivities, later retreating to the kitchen with the other men for a drink.
Chapter VIII
Retires for the night, leaving Elmer alone in the parlor.
IX
Deacon Bains welcomes Elmer into his home, offers him lodging, and is unaware of Elmer's intentions with his daughter.
Chapter IX
Lulu's father, who discovers her with Floyd and later confronts Elmer, forcing him to marry Lulu to protect her honor.
Chapter III
Lulu's father, mentioned as being at the doctor's office with his wife; Elmer avoids him after the confrontation.
IV
Notices Lulu's changed behavior and confronts her about her relationship with Elmer Gantry after Floyd Naylor reports seeing them together.
V
Confronts Elmer with Floyd Naylor, threatening violence to force marriage to his daughter Lulu; orchestrates the public engagement announcement.
VII
Discovers Lulu and Floyd kissing, knocks Floyd down, and disowns his daughter in shame.
IV
Recalled in comparison to Nathaniel Benham; Elmer's earlier host in Schoenheim.

Chapter companion notes

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See Deacon Bains in chapter iii

See Deacon Bains in Chapter VII