Eddie Fislinger

Elmer Gantry

Eddie is a sanctimonious fellow student and later rival preacher who competes with Elmer for religious influence and status.

Elmer Gantry

Eddie is a sanctimonious fellow student and later rival preacher who competes with Elmer for religious influence and status.

Elmer Gantry

Eddie is a sanctimonious fellow student and later rival preacher who competes with Elmer for religious influence and status.

Elmer Gantry

Introduced as a devout and earnest classmate, whose piety contrasts with Elmer's cynicism.

Chapter I

A zealous student preacher leading the street meeting, who tries to convert Elmer and Jim.

III

A meager, pious, and ambitious student who initially opposes Elmer's re-election but is easily intimidated into submission.

Chapter VI

Leads a street-corner revival meeting in Cato, is heckled, and attempts to convert Elmer after Elmer defends him.

Chapter II

Eddie organizes all-day prayer meetings and leads the effort to secure Elmer's conversion, seeing himself as a future prophet.

I

A zealous student who organizes prayer meetings for Elmer's conversion and is seen as a future prophet among the pious.

II

A zealous fellow student who diagnoses Elmer as unconverted and counsels Mrs. Gantry.

III

Eddie is outmaneuvered in debate by Dr. Lefferts, accused of being a freethinker, and left confused and seeking reassurance.

Chapter III

Eddie is mentioned as a potential roommate for Elmer after Jim leaves, and is a source of annoyance to Elmer.

I

A devout student who praises Roberts and encourages Elmer to attend the meetings, acting as a go-between.

III

Mentioned as having threatened Elmer about his behavior prior to the meeting.

IV

Mentioned as a rival and source of pressure for Elmer.

VI

President of the Y.M.C.A., introduces Elmer and praises him, admitting Elmer has surpassed him in preaching.

Chapter IV

Eddie urges Elmer to become a minister and participates in the prayer meeting, nuzzling against Elmer in a way that Elmer finds repulsive.

I

Eddie urges Elmer to enter the ministry, envisioning him as president of the Baptist convention.

Chapter II

Eddie is present at the prayer meeting, nuzzling against Elmer and contributing to his discomfort.

Chapter V: Ordination

Ordained alongside Elmer; described as meek and inconspicuous.

I

Ordained alongside Elmer; a fellow student at Mizpah Theological Seminary.

II

Also being ordained, but is inconspicuous and meek compared to Elmer; receives few congratulations.

III

Ordained alongside Elmer; answers examination questions eagerly.

Chapter VI

Defends traditional Baptist doctrines, argues for close communion, and insists on the sincerity of most preachers despite Zenz's provocations.

I

Defends traditional Baptist doctrines, including close communion, and argues for sincerity in preaching.

Chapter VII

Mentioned in comparison to Dean Trosper's hair color.

I

Mentioned in comparison to Dean Trosper's rusty hair.

Chapter VIII

Elmer's classmate who shares his notebook on practical theology with Elmer.

I

Takes detailed notes on Practical Theology lectures which Elmer borrows for exams.

V

Encourages Elmer's mockery of Zechlin, calling him lacking in spirituality.

V

Marries Lulu Bains and Floyd Naylor in a grim ceremony.

Chapter XI

Elmer encounters Eddie Fislinger, now a pastor in a small Kansas town, and recalls their past.

I

An old seminary acquaintance now pastoring a small church in Kansas; he tries to persuade Elmer to return to the ministry.