# Mrs. Gantry — Elmer Gantry character guide

> Mrs. Gantry in Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

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

## Who they are

Elmer's mother, a pious and domineering woman.

## In the story

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

Elmer's mother is mentioned as a pious influence, worried about his behavior and praying for him.

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

Elmer's devout mother, a widow who supports him financially and longs for him to enter the ministry.

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

Elmer's mother arrives unexpectedly, using guilt and nostalgia to persuade Elmer to accompany her to the meeting.

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

Elmer's mother, who joyfully accompanies him to the meeting, prays for his conversion, and expresses pride and hope afterward.

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

Dean's wife; reflects on the hardships of being a minister's wife and her own doubts.

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

Proud mother of Elmer; marvels at his education and transformation.

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

Elmer's mother, who takes pride in his ordination and his impressive interactions with neighbors and clergy; reflects on his hidden vices like smoking.

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

Elmer's mother, who was nearly killed by his disgrace at Mizpah and hopes he will return to the ministry.

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

Elmer's mother, who attends a meeting in Topeka and is relieved to see his success after his expulsion from Mizpah Seminary.

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

Elmer's mother, attends the wedding from Kansas, happy for him.

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

Elmer's mother, who comes from Kansas for the wedding and is happy to see Elmer in his pulpit.

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

Elmer's mother, visits and confronts him about his treatment of Cleo and his relationship with his secretary.

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

Visits Elmer and Cleo, confronts Elmer about his treatment of Cleo and his secretary.

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

Elmer's mother is present at home and is also deceived by his lie.

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

Exults in her influence over Elmer, taking credit for his improved behavior.

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

Initially doubts Elmer, then apologizes and admits her own wickedness.

## Links

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