# Lem Staples — Elmer Gantry character guide

> Lem Staples in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Doc Staples

**First appearance:** 0014-chapter-iii

## Who they are

A local doctor in the town where Elmer first preaches.

## In the story

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

The village atheist who challenges Frank's beliefs and questions the composition of church congregations.

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

The village atheist and horse-doctor who challenges Frank's assumptions about the church's appeal to intelligent men.

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

The village atheist, a friend of Mr. Pengilly who jibes about church sinners; Pengilly engages him with humor and calm.

## Links

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