Elmer Gantry · Character

Judson Roberts

A rough, older man who becomes a convert at Elmer's revival.

minor

Also known as Jud, Old Jud

First appearance: chapter vi

Judson Roberts's tie to Elmer Gantry is one of the pressures that moves Elmer Gantry—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Judson Roberts stands with Elmer during the revival meeting and is credited with influencing Elmer's conversion.

In the storyChapter IIIOpen this moment free

See Judson Roberts in Chapter III Book page

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With Elmer Gantry (professional): Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer in revival schemes. With Elmer Gantry (professional): Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer in revival schemes. With Elmer Gantry (professional): Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer in revival schemes.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Judson Roberts sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Judson Roberts in chapter vi

Character Web

18 connections

A slice of how Judson Roberts sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Elmer's early associates
Early congregation members
Minor characters and background figures
Protagonist
Frank Shallard's circle

+13 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Elmer Gantry
professional · ambivalent
Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer… How this plays out →
Elmer Gantry
professional · ambivalent
Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer… How this plays out →
Elmer Gantry
professional · ambivalent
Judson Roberts is a fellow evangelist and business associate who collaborates with Elmer… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Judson Roberts in chapter vi

In the story

Judson Roberts appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Judson Roberts stands with Elmer during the revival meeting and is credited with influencing Elmer's conversion.
I
The State Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., a former football star who uses his physical presence and psychological tactics to recruit young men to Christianity.
III
The star soloist and preacher who delivers an emotional sermon, using athletic imagery to appeal to the audience, and personally pressures Elmer to convert.
IV
Mentioned as a model of evangelistic success that Elmer compares himself to.
VII
State secretary of the Y.M.C.A., former football star, traveling to Concordia, Kansas; privately doubts his faith and considers quitting for real estate.
Chapter XIII
Mentioned as a model for Elmer's bullying hero role in the audience.
V
Elmer recalls Judson Roberts' earlier bullying role in the audience.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Judson Roberts unlock in the free preview.

See Judson Roberts in chapter vi

See Judson Roberts in Chapter III