# Frank Shallard — Elmer Gantry character guide > Frank Shallard in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Frank, Reverend Shallard, Francis Asbury **First appearance:** 0003-chapter-i ## Snapshot A seminary friend of Elmer's whose honest, tormented mind keeps colliding with the cheerful hypocrisies of the men who wear the cloth. ## Who they are Frank is the rare minister who actually means it, and the rarer one who keeps asking whether the doctrines he preaches can survive scrutiny. Where Elmer performs faith, Frank interrogates it, and the contrast makes him both a conscience and a casualty of the world Lewis is dissecting. His sincerity is the measuring stick against which Elmer's showmanship looks most damning. ## Relationships ### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry) _rivalry_ Frank is a sincere, liberal minister who becomes Elmer's ideological and professional enemy, ultimately destroyed by Elmer's machinations. ### [Bess Shallard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/bess_shallard) _family_ Bess is Frank Shallard's devoted sister who supports him through his crisis of faith and persecution. ### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry) _rivalry_ Frank is a sincere, liberal minister who becomes Elmer's ideological and professional enemy, ultimately destroyed by Elmer's machinations. ### [Elmer Gantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/elmer_gantry) _rivalry_ Frank is a sincere, liberal minister who becomes Elmer's ideological and professional enemy, ultimately destroyed by Elmer's machinations. ### [Bess Shallard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/bess_shallard) _family_ Bess is Frank Shallard's devoted sister who supports him through his crisis of faith and persecution. ### [Bess Shallard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/bess_shallard) _family_ Bess is Frank Shallard's devoted sister who supports him through his crisis of faith and persecution. ## In the story ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-vi) Questions the sincerity of his fellow seminarians and his own motives for entering the ministry, expressing a belief in mystic experiences. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Questions the motives of his fellow seminarians and muses on the impiety of Baptists setting themselves as gatekeepers of God. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-vii) Sent to Schoenheim to assist with Sunday School; struggles with shyness around rural audiences. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Present with the dean, assigned to conduct Sunday School under Elmer's authority, described as having a particularly earnest spirit. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii) Travels with Elmer to Schoenheim, is nervous about preaching, and is overshadowed by Elmer's confidence. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv) Frank is present but distracted by a discussion with Miss Baldwin about a boy's skepticism, leaving Elmer free to pursue Lulu. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/v) Confronts Elmer about his conduct with Lulu Bains, expressing concern for her welfare and his responsibility as a fellow minister. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vi) Frank protests Deacon Bains' narrow view of salvation but is silenced by Elmer's rebuke and the social pressure of the dinner. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vii) Frank is present but sullen, disapproving of Elmer's behavior; Elmer privately warns Lulu not to trust him. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as the source of suspicion about Elmer and Lulu's behavior in the church. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ix) Frank accompanies Elmer on the handcar return to Babylon, expressing disapproval of Elmer's behavior with Lulu. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-viii) A thoughtful senior student who loves Dr. Zechlin and struggles with doubts about Christianity. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Elmer's friend who loves Dr. Zechlin and his scholarly approach. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii) A seminary student at Mizpah, struggling with religious doubts and influenced by Dr. Zechlin. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii) A senior in seminary, reading critical religious works and planning to liberalize the church from within, feeling hatred for Elmer Gantry. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv) Frank reflects on his dislike for Elmer's thickness and smut, but almost likes his athletic excitement. He observes Elmer's reaction to Lulu Bains and fears an affair. He spends Christmas with Dr. Zechlin, enjoying a German celebration. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-ix) Confronts Elmer about his behavior with Lulu and his doubts, but is outmaneuvered and forced to resign his pastorate at Schoenheim. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Complains to Elmer about his behavior with Lulu Bains and his concerns about Elmer's fitness for a pastorate, but is outmaneuvered and forced to resign. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Dean Trosper mentions sending Brother Shallard to cover the Easter service in Cato that Elmer was supposed to lead. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a seminary friend who became a Congregational minister and is doing well in the Y.M.C.A. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xvi) Former colleague of Elmer's from Schoenheim; now has a church near Zenith; Elmer plans to visit him to borrow money. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii) Former colleague of Elmer, now has a church near Zenith; Elmer plans to borrow money from him. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xvii) Frank is the central figure of the chapter, grappling with his doubts about the ministry and his faith, seeking guidance from Father Pengilly. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) The chapter focuses on Frank's internal crisis after ordination, his doubts about the ministry, and his regret over lying during his examination. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii) Arrives in Catawba for his first pastorate, troubled and lonely; tries to focus on Jesus' leadership but is shaken by Lem Staples' questions and his observations of the working class. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii) A young minister plagued by doubts about Biblical contradictions; he seeks guidance from Mr. Pengilly and is deeply influenced by his mystical faith. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv) Marries Bess Needham and has three children. He feels trapped by his family responsibilities and becomes increasingly worried about his conscience regarding his role in the church. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/v) Tormented by doubt, joins the Liberal Club, lends Elmer a hundred dollars. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xviii) Mentioned as someone Elmer owes money to but has not repaid. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxiv) Now pastor of Dorchester Congregational Church in Zenith; reflects on his war service, liberal leanings, and dissatisfaction with ministry. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Frank is a classmate of Elmer's now in disgrace with the clergy, having left the Baptist Church and served as a common soldier in the Great War. He pastors a suspect Congregational Church in Zenith. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with his Baptist faith, enlists in the army, later becomes a Congregationalist pastor in Dorchester, Zenith. Resents the social limitations of being a clergyman and is conflicted about his ministry. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxvii) Mentioned as having left Andrew Pengilly, contributing to Pengilly's loneliness. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as having left Mr. Pengilly, contributing to his loneliness. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxviii) Argues passionately against the hypocrisy and ineffectiveness of liberal preachers, criticizing the use of vague theological language and the failure to confront corrupt colleagues like Elmer Gantry. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) Engages in a passionate debate with Philip McGarry, criticizing the hypocrisy and empty rhetoric of fellow clergymen and questioning the value of staying in the church. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/chapter-xxix) Publicly admits his doubts about Christ's divinity and a personal God, leading to a church trial. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/i) His liberal views and heresies are discussed and targeted by Elmer. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ii) Angers citizens by opposing Prohibition from the pulpit; becomes target of Elmer's attack. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iii) Loses his temper and admits his theological doubts, including uncertainty about Christ's divinity and a personal God. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/iv) Frank defends his decent life and liberal preaching, considering a job in the Charity Organization Society. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/v) Frank is the subject of a church meeting called to decide his worthiness, accused by Styles of attacking all religion. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vi) Frank's candid answers about his doctrines cause controversy, but he retains support from those he has helped, delaying his ouster. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/vii) Frank considers a spectacular resignation but instead resigns gently, feeling tired and unwilling to hurt his parishioners. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/viii) Works at the Charity Organization Society, disillusioned by its cold efficiency; seeks spiritual solace in St. Dominic's Catholic Church but is rebuffed by Father Smeesby. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/ix) Now assistant general secretary of the Charity Organization Society; embarks on a lecture tour defending free science, faces violent persecution from Fundamentalist vigilantes. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/x) Found beaten and near death in a cornfield, his face mutilated, he crawls for help but is rejected by passersby. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/xi) Has lost one eye and may lose sight in the other within a year. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/chapters/xii) The victim of an unspecified attack that provokes Elmer's response. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters/frank_shallard - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/elmer_gantry_se/characters