Manhattan Transfer · Character

George Baldwin

A successful lawyer and politician entangled with Ellen and the city's elite.

major

Also known as Baldwin, George, Hello George, Honest George, Mr. Baldwin

First appearance: section i

As a major figure in Manhattan Transfer, George Baldwin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A young lawyer without clients who reads about an accident and decides to pursue a damage suit for the injured milkman, visiting his home to speak with his wife.

In the storyIII: DollarsOpen this moment free

See George Baldwin in III: Dollars Book page

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

With Ellen Thatcher (romantic): A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently infatuated with Ellen, who remains ambivalent and uses him for advancement. With Gus McNiel (professional): George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own political ambitions. With Ellen Thatcher (romantic): A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently infatuated with Ellen, who remains ambivalent and uses him for advancement.

Continue beside the text

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

See George Baldwin in section i

Character Web

38 connections

A slice of how George Baldwin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Professional
Other

Character groups

Elite social climbers
Background figures and minor characters
Protagonist

+33 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Ellen, confronted with the word "Sarajevo" and the impending…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Ellen Thatcher
romantic · ambivalent
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently… How this plays out →
Gus McNiel
professional · ambivalent
Ellen Thatcher
romantic · ambivalent
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently… How this plays out →
Ellen Thatcher
romantic · ambivalent
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently… How this plays out →
Gus McNiel
professional · ambivalent
Gus McNiel
professional · ambivalent

Ellen Thatcher
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently infatuated with Ellen, who remains ambivalent and uses him for advancement.
Gus McNiel
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own political ambitions.
Ellen Thatcher
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently infatuated with Ellen, who remains ambivalent and uses him for advancement.
Ellen Thatcher
A complex, on-and-off romantic and professional entanglement where George is persistently infatuated with Ellen, who remains ambivalent and uses him for advancement.
Gus McNiel
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own political ambitions.
Gus McNiel
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own political ambitions.

Relationship notes

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

See George Baldwin in section i

In the story

George Baldwin appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III: Dollars
A young lawyer without clients who reads about an accident and decides to pursue a damage suit for the injured milkman, visiting his home to speak with his wife.
Tracks
Works alone in his office on a Sunday, meets his lover Nellie and kisses her, troubled by the secrecy.
Section II
Interacts with Ellen, furthering his pursuit of her.
I: Great Lady on a White Horse
A lawyer; meets Ellen at the Brevoort and discusses their relationship.
III: Nine Days' Wonder
Has a tense breakfast with his wife Cecily, who accuses him of marrying her for social position and of infidelity; he tries to calm her.
V: Went to the Animals’ Fair
Confesses his unhappiness and romantic obsession with Ellen, then pulls a revolver in a jealous outburst.
VIII: One More River to Jordan
Rides the subway with Sandbourne, anxious about rumors linking him to Miss Oglethorpe.
Section III
George Baldwin is involved in legal and personal affairs, representing the intersection of ambition and moral ambiguity.
I: Rejoicing City That Dwelt Carelessly
George Baldwin is urged by Gus McNiel and Ben Densch to run for political office, discussing the post-war reconstruction and his law practice.
III: Revolving Doors
Ends his affair with Nevada Jones after finding Tony Hunter's trousers, then impulsively seeks out Ellen Herf.
V: The Burden of Nineveh
Mentioned as the man Ellen is going to marry, recently appointed District Attorney and being groomed for mayor.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for George Baldwin unlock in the free preview.

See George Baldwin in section i

See George Baldwin in III: Dollars