Manhattan Transfer · Character
Gus McNiel
A rough, hard-drinking fireman and friend of the characters.
minor
Also known as Gus McNiel, Gus, Augustus McNiel, Poor old Gus, McNiel, Gus McNiel bullnecked redfaced, Mr. McNiel
First appearance: section i
Gus McNiel's tie to George Baldwin is one of the pressures that moves Manhattan Transfer—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The injured milkman mentioned in the news; his accident is the basis for Baldwin's potential lawsuit.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With George Baldwin (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 brief, passionate affair that ends when…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Gus McNiel sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Gus McNiel in section iCharacter Web
28 connectionsA slice of how Gus McNiel sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Romantic
- Other
Character groups
- Elite social climbers
- Background figures and minor characters
+23 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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 readingRelationships
- George Baldwin
professional · ambivalent
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own… How this plays out →
- Ellen Thatcher
romantic · negative
- George Baldwin
professional · ambivalent
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own… How this plays out →
- Ellen Thatcher
romantic · negative
- Ellen Thatcher
romantic · negative
- George Baldwin
professional · ambivalent
George is a lawyer who represents Gus after a crime, using the case to further his own… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Gus McNiel in section iIn the story
Gus McNiel appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Gus McNiel unlock in the free preview.
See Gus McNiel in section i