# Manhattan Transfer — Character guide

> Key figures in Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos.

- [Jimmy Herf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jimmy_herf.md): A wandering journalist and central protagonist navigating New York's chaotic social landscape.
- [Ellen Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ellen_thatcher.md): An ambitious actress and Jimmy's love interest, embodying the city's glittering yet hollow promise.
- [George Baldwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/george_baldwin.md): A successful lawyer and politician entangled with Ellen and the city's elite.
- [Stan Emery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/stan_emery.md): A wealthy, alcoholic friend of Jimmy who spirals into self-destruction.
- [James Merivale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/james_merivale.md): A war hero and Ellen's first husband, representing old-world propriety.
- [Lily Herf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/lily_herf.md): Jimmy's mother, a faded Southern belle struggling with poverty and illness.
- [Bud Korpenning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/bud_korpenning.md): A farm boy who arrives in New York with blood on his hands and no plan beyond finding work, quickly learning the city has no use for him.
- [Ruth Prynne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ruth_prynne.md): A naive young woman from upstate who becomes involved with Bud.
- [Congo Jake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/congo_jake.md): A boisterous sailor whose postcards from distant ports and easy generosity make him a legend among the women and drifters he leaves behind.
- [Anna Cohen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/anna_cohen.md): A Jewish immigrant working as a seamstress, seeking a better life.
- [Gus McNiel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/gus_mcniel.md): A rough, hard-drinking fireman and friend of the characters.
- [Cassandra Wilkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/cassandra_wilkins.md): A socialite and friend of Ellen, part of the city's fashionable set.
- [Emily Merivale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/emily_merivale.md): James Merivale's aunt, a proper and traditional woman.
- [Emile Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/emile_rigaud.md): A French restaurateur and shady character involved in various schemes.
- [Ed Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ed_thatcher.md): Ellen's father, a struggling businessman who dreams of wealth.
- [Maisie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/maisie.md): A chorus girl and friend of Ellen, navigating the theater world.
- [Harry Goldweiser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/harry_goldweiser.md): A wealthy Jewish businessman and patron of the arts.
- [Tony Hunter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/tony_hunter.md): A young man about town, part of the social scene.
- [Uncle Jeff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/uncle_jeff.md): A relative of Lily Herf, offering occasional support.
- [Susie Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/susie_thatcher.md): Ellen's younger sister, who dies young.
- [Nevada Jones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/nevada_jones.md): A prostitute and acquaintance of the underworld characters.
- [Phil Sandbourne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/phil_sandbourne.md): A friend of George Baldwin, involved in business and politics.
- [Martin Schiff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/martin_schiff.md): A young intellectual and friend of the bohemian set.
- [Jack Cunningham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jack_cunningham.md): A newspaperman and friend of Jimmy's circle.
- [Roy Sheffield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/roy_sheffield.md): A young man from a wealthy family, briefly involved with Ellen.
- [Cecily](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/cecily.md): A minor character, possibly a maid or servant.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters