# Roger Gale — His Family character guide > Roger Gale in His Family by Ernest Poole. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Roger, II Roger, XII Roger, XXI Roger, Even Roger, Luxuriously Roger, XX Roger **First appearance:** 0001-his-family ## Snapshot A New Hampshire farm boy turned New York clippings-bureau founder, he built a business from nothing and now faces his daughters' tangled lives alone. ## Who they are Roger Gale came to the city at seventeen and seized a wild, unheard-of opportunity — a news clippings bureau that wound through every phase of American life. Now a widower in the house his late wife Judith once owned, he presides over Friday dinners and family fractures he can't quite mend. His deep zest for living, bred in mountain boyhood, keeps colliding with the disappointments of love, the limits of fatherhood, and a world that suddenly seems to be coming apart. ## Relationships ### [Deborah Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/deborah_gale) _family_ Deborah is Roger's devoted and protective older sister, often acting as a maternal figure and moral compass in his life. ### [Edith Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/edith_gale) _family_ Edith is Roger's younger sister, with a close but sometimes contentious bond as she seeks independence from his oversight. ### [Laura Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/laura_gale) _family_ Laura is Roger's youngest sister, whom he cherishes and feels a strong paternal responsibility toward. ### [Allan Baird](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/allan_baird) _friendship_ Allan and Roger share a friendly, respectful camaraderie, often bonding over their concern for Deborah. ### [John](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/john) _friendship_ John is a close friend and confidant of Roger, often providing practical support and companionship. ### [Father Abraham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/father_abraham) _family_ Father Abraham is Roger's father, and their relationship is built on mutual respect but also generational conflict over Roger's choices. ### [George](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/george) _friendship_ George is a loyal friend and ally to Roger, often involved in his personal and professional affairs. ### [Bruce Cunningham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/bruce_cunningham) _rivalry_ Bruce is a competitive rival of Roger, frequently clashing over business and personal matters. ### [Judith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/judith) _romantic_ Judith is a former or potential romantic interest of Roger, with a relationship marked by unresolved feelings. ### [Deborah Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/deborah_gale) _family_ Deborah is Roger's devoted and protective older sister, often acting as a maternal figure and moral compass in his life. ### [Edith Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/edith_gale) _family_ Edith is Roger's younger sister, with a close but sometimes contentious bond as she seeks independence from his oversight. ### [Deborah Gale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/deborah_gale) _family_ Deborah is Roger's devoted and protective older sister, often acting as a maternal figure and moral compass in his life. ## In the story ### [His Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/his-family) Reflects on old New York and his family's dynamics. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/i) The protagonist, a widower and father of three daughters, reflecting on his past and his spiritual awakening after years of grief. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/ii) Lies in bed worrying about his children, resolves to know them better, later secures the house and reflects on his wife Judith. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/iii) Attempts to bond with Laura over modern culture, feels a rush of tenderness and remorse upon learning of her engagement, and struggles with feelings of being old and out of touch. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/iv) Breakfasts with Deborah, learns of Laura's engagement, attends a concert with Deborah, visits Edith's home, and feels anxious about Deborah's future. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/v) Withdraws from family dinner, walks through the ghetto, acquires a ring, examines his collection, rides in the park, and nervously prepares to meet Laura's suitor. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/vi) Reflects on his daughters' growing independence and the changing family dynamics; feels the pressure of modern life and worries about his children's happiness. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/vii) Feels overwhelmed by wedding preparations, visits Edith for solace, and resolves to talk to Laura about her marriage plans. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/viii) Finds peace at home with Deborah, resumes horseback rides, visits Edith and her baby, and returns to his office to revive his declining business. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/ix) Worried about Deborah's health, listens to her confession about Joe Bolini, and spends a sleepless night reflecting on the execution and his own past. ### [Deborah's Big Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/x) Visits Deborah's school, initially repulsed by the tenement streets but gradually awed by the scale and vitality of the school community. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xi) Accompanies Deborah to her night school neighborhood, experiencing the tenement life and meeting her 'family' of students. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xii) Reflects on Isadore Freedom and Deborah's way of life; decides to help Johnny Geer; catches Deborah when she collapses and calls for Dr. Baird. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xiii) Worries about Deborah's health, tries to persuade her to rest, and later meddles by sharing Baird's remark with Edith. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xiv) Returns to the family farm with Deborah, reflects on his childhood and family legacy, experiences a vision of his younger self. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xv) Returns to find Deborah absorbed in her school; takes charge of a boys' club; becomes close to Johnny Geer; supports John's architectural ambition and invites him to live in the house. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xvi) Scowls at his daughters' modern ways, tries to keep peace, and conspires with Bruce and Edith to steer Deborah toward marriage. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xvii) Roger observes and meddles in Deborah's relationship with Baird, reflecting on her modern nature and his own role as a father. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xviii) Feels a deep peace as Deborah's engagement to Allan approaches, though he initially snaps at her delay; he reflects on the quiet settling of his house and the fading of his earlier despair symbolized by 'The Thinker' statue. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xix) Blissfully shares wedding plans with Edith; expresses unease about Edith's comments on Deborah's chances of having a child. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xx) Awakened by a phone call from Deborah, he rushes to Edith's apartment to find Bruce dying. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxi) Stunned by Bruce's death, Roger manages the financial burden and agrees to house Edith and her children, while grappling with existential thoughts about mortality and legacy. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxii) Resolves to focus on practical matters, works hard in his office, cuts down on smoking and socializing, and feels the weight of financial and familial responsibilities. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxiii) Reflects on family tensions after Bruce's death, rides in the mountains, and tries to mediate between Edith and Deborah. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxiv) Struggles with the financial impact of the war, considers shutting down his business, and ultimately agrees to try to keep it open on part-time. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxv) Struggles with financial strain and guilt over Deborah's influence; feels relief at Harold's war profits but later condemns the greed. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxvi) Feels shame and humility as he can no longer provide for his daughter's family due to financial losses from the war. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxvii) Roger feels the weight of family discord, torn between his daughters' conflicting worldviews, and struggles with his own fatigue and desire to escape. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxviii) Reads war news, reflects on humanity, feels pride in Deborah's work, then clashes with Edith over John's illness. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxix) Decides to tell Deborah about John; feels burdened by family decisions; reflects on the city from a tower. ### [A Season of Quiet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxx) Feels optimistic about the winter, dresses with care, reads aloud to Edith, and finds comfort in family routine. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxi) Roger is troubled by Laura's behavior and her modern, unsettling views on war and society, but he is also preoccupied with other family troubles. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxii) Roger is troubled by Laura's divorce and remarriage plans, reflecting on his past and his wife Judith's values. He struggles with his role as a father and the changing times. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxiii) Observes Laura's behavior with bewilderment and anger, ultimately feeling old and out of date after her departure. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxiv) Burdened by financial worries and family discord, Roger retreats to his study and considers selling his ring collection to pay debts. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxv) Anxiously watches Bruce's illness, blames Deborah for delaying proper medical care, and worries about the family's financial strain. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxvi) Confronts Deborah about her decision not to marry Allan Baird, reveals his impending death, and argues for the value of family and love over solitary work. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxvii) Roger reflects on his 'sermon' to Deborah, learns of John's business success, decides not to sell the house, and offers it as a wedding gift. He also plans to buy Deborah a special ring. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxviii) Observes the landscape and reflects on the journey as a migration; watches Edith and the children; counsels George on the importance of education and modern farming; feels stronger and sleeps well. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxix) Returns to his office and home, observes changes in John and Deborah, and learns of Deborah's pregnancy. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xli) Roger waits anxiously during Deborah's labor, reflects on her birth, and later bonds with his new grandson. He observes Deborah's transformation into a protective mother. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xlii) Roger is deeply moved by John's devotion and offers to adopt him, recognizing him as the son he lost. ### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xliii) Roger is in the final stage of his life, selling his business and experiencing a mix of mental fog and clarity. He finds solace in watching the city and spending time with Deborah's baby, and has a tender farewell with Laura. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xliv) The dreamer, whose subconscious journeys through family memories and apocalyptic visions. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters/roger_gale - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/his_family_se/characters