# Dean Trosper — Elmer Gantry character guide

> Dean Trosper in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Trosper, Jacob Trosper

**First appearance:** 0003-chapter-i

## Who they are

The dean of the seminary Elmer attends.

## Relationships

### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry)

_professional_

Dean Trosper is the stern head of the seminary who tries to discipline Elmer but is outmaneuvered by him.

### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry)

_professional_

Dean Trosper is the stern head of the seminary who tries to discipline Elmer but is outmaneuvered by him.

### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry)

_professional_

Dean Trosper is the stern head of the seminary who tries to discipline Elmer but is outmaneuvered by him.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii)

Expresses private doubts about the ministry and his own career choice after Elmer's conversion.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Hard-faced, active dean who assigns Elmer and Frank to Schoenheim, warning Elmer to eliminate worldly indulgences.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-viii)

Lectures on practical theology and homiletics, teaching students how to raise money and avoid scandals.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Lectures on Practical Theology and Homiletics, teaching students how to manage pastoral duties and raise money.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii)

Dean of Mizpah Seminary, a favorite of Frank's but not a confidant like Zechlin.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/v)

Confronts Elmer about the blackboard incident but gives him a mild rebuke.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Referenced as 'Pop Trosper,' the dean whom Frank considers going to about Elmer's behavior.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vi)

Questions Elmer about his engagement and advises him to marry and avoid scandal.

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

Dean Trosper comforts Elmer after his fabricated story, sends him to preach at the Flowerdale Baptist Church in Monarch, and arranges for Frank Shallard to cover Elmer's Easter service.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

Dean Trosper listens to Elmer's fabricated tale, offers prayer and comfort, and assigns him to the Flowerdale Baptist Church in Monarch.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv)

Sends Brother Hudkins to fill in and search for Elmer Gantry, expressing worry over Elmer's private matter.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/v)

Confronts and fires Elmer, threatening to expose him if he appears in any Baptist pulpit.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xvi)

Dean of Mizpah Seminary; Elmer yearns to return to the seminary and seek his forgiveness.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii)

Elmer yearns to seek his forgiveness and return to Mizpah Seminary.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xvii)

Dean Trosper is mentioned as a bullying figure from the seminary who serves God with vinegar, influencing Frank's perception of the ministry.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i)

The bullying dean whose harsh manner and 'vinegar' service to God influenced Frank's perception of the ministry.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xx)

Corresponds with Elmer about his grades and offers cautious advice about his zeal.

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

Sends Elmer his grades with a letter expressing skepticism about Elmer's sudden righteousness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/dean_trosper
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters