Elmer Gantry · Character

T. J. Rigg

A wealthy, influential businessman whose backing and money help underwrite Elmer's rise, and whose interests the pulpit is expected to serve.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Rigg, Rigg

First appearance: chapter x

As a supporting figure in Elmer Gantry, T. J. Rigg is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A wealthy criminal lawyer and trustee of Wellspring Church.

In the storyChapter IIOpen this moment free

See T. J. Rigg in Chapter II Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Rigg belongs to the class of prosperous laymen whose donations and connections keep a fashionable church running and whose approval can make or break a pastor's ambitions. His support is the kind that comes with expectations, and Elmer's genius for flattering exactly such men is central to how he climbs. Rigg matters because he shows the machinery beneath the revival: money, influence, and the unspoken bargain between the pew and the pulpit.

Continue beside the text

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

See T. J. Rigg in chapter x

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how T. J. Rigg sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Frank Shallard's circle
Early congregation members
Seminary and college figures
Minor characters and background figures
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Elmer Gantry
professional · negative
Elmer Gantry
professional · negative
Elmer Gantry
professional · negative

Relationship notes

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

See T. J. Rigg in chapter x

In the story

T. J. Rigg appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II
A wealthy criminal lawyer and trustee of Wellspring Church. He hosts Elmer at his home, offers him a relaxed environment, and advises him to preach a sensational vice sermon to draw crowds.
VII
Rigg, a lawyer-trustee, is consulted by Elmer along with Bishop Toomis regarding strategic alliances.
Chapter XXV
Elmer visits T. J. Rigg for relaxation and information about contributors.
I
T. J. Rigg provides Elmer with a safe, relaxed place to unwind and gives him information about the private business careers of church contributors.
Chapter XXVI
Elmer's friend and pillar, supports his vice-crusading ideas and is proud of building up Wellspring Church.
Chapter III
Elmer's friend and pillar, supports his plans and offers to find a private detective.
IV
Hides Elmer at his house and warns him about the dangers of antagonizing big bootleggers.
I
T. J. Rigg advises Elmer on social climbing, suggesting he target the wealthy elite at the Tonawanda Country Club rather than the Rotarians, and helps engineer Elmer's membership there.
Chapter XXIX
Advises Elmer on how to exploit Frank's heresies and schemes to bring William Dollinger Styles to their church.
I
Advises Elmer on using Frank's sermons against him and arranges for their transcription.
Chapter II
Arranges a golf foursome with Elmer and William Dollinger Styles.
Chapter VI
Rigg acts as Elmer's co-conspirator, flattering Styles and hinting at a rebuke to his old church, while also benefiting from Methodist clients.
VI
Writes to Nonconformist business acquaintances in London on Elmer's behalf.
IV
A key supporter of Elmer; Hettie flatters and encourages him, deepening his devotion to Elmer and the church.
Chapter XXXII
T. J. Rigg agrees to help Elmer by stalling for time and hiring detectives to investigate the Dowlers.
Chapter III
Roused from sleep, he listens to Elmer's confession and agrees to help stall Oscar Dowler.
IV
Negotiates with Silverhorn and plans to use detectives against the Dowlers.
Chapter XXXIII
Arranges for detective Pete Reese to expose Hettie's past; orchestrates the confession and settlement.
II
Mentioned as a location where Elmer is tracked by reporters.
III
Orchestrates the scheme, hires detective Pete Reese, and forces Hettie to sign a false confession.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for T. J. Rigg unlock in the free preview.

See T. J. Rigg in chapter x

See T. J. Rigg in Chapter II