Elmer Gantry · Character

William Dollinger Styles

A prominent deacon in Elmer's church in Zenith.

minor

Also known as Mr. Styles, Deacon Styles

First appearance: chapter x

William Dollinger Styles'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.

William Dollinger Styles, a hardware magnate and member of the Tonawanda house committee, introduces himself to Elmer and welcomes him to the club.

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With Elmer Gantry (professional): William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports Elmer's ministry. With Elmer Gantry (professional): William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports Elmer's ministry. With Elmer Gantry (professional): William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports Elmer's ministry.

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See William Dollinger Styles in chapter x

Character Web

25 connections

A slice of how William Dollinger Styles sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Frank Shallard's circle
Minor characters and background figures
Elmer's early associates
Seminary and college figures

+20 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…

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Relationships

Elmer Gantry
professional · positive
William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports… How this plays out →
Elmer Gantry
professional · positive
William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports… How this plays out →
Elmer Gantry
professional · positive
William Dollinger Styles is a wealthy businessman and church benefactor who supports… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See William Dollinger Styles in chapter x

In the story

William Dollinger Styles appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
William Dollinger Styles, a hardware magnate and member of the Tonawanda house committee, introduces himself to Elmer and welcomes him to the club.
Chapter XXIX
Wealthy deacon who is courted by Elmer and Rigg, and turns against Frank after his confession.
I
Mentioned as a wealthy target for Elmer's scheme.
Chapter II
Deacon at Dorchester Church; manipulated by Elmer into arranging a dinner to question Frank's beliefs.
III
Deacon who sides with Elmer and demands Frank resign from the ministry.
V
Deacon Styles informs the church body that Frank is attacking all religion, prompting the meeting.
Chapter VI
Styles is courted by Elmer and Rigg, eventually persuaded to join their church after being made to feel insulted by his own congregation.
VI
Writes to Nonconformist business acquaintances in London on Elmer's behalf.
IV
A wealthy figure whom Hettie cultivates by praising him as a 'Napoleon of Finance'; she lunches with him alone, causing Elmer's jealousy.
II
Original target of Hettie and Oscar's scheme, but he avoided the trap.

Chapter companion notes

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See William Dollinger Styles in chapter x

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