Manhattan Transfer · Character

Stan Emery

A wealthy, alcoholic friend of Jimmy who spirals into self-destruction.

supporting

Also known as Stan, Poor old Emery, Stan Emery, Emery, Stanwood Emery, young Stanwood Emery, O Stanwood

First appearance: section i

As a supporting figure in Manhattan Transfer, Stan Emery is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Engages in the city's social scene, reflecting themes of self-destruction.

In the storySection IIOpen this moment free

See Stan Emery in Section II 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 passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and eventual tragedy. With Jimmy Herf (friendship): College friends and fellow idealists who share a cynical view of society, though Stan's self-destruction strains their bond. With Emily Merivale (romantic): A wealthy socialite who becomes infatuated with Stan, but their relationship is undermined by his alcoholism and self-destruction.

Continue beside the text

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

See Stan Emery in section i

Character Web

38 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Elite social climbers
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 · negative
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and… How this plays out →
Jimmy Herf
friendship · ambivalent
Emily Merivale
romantic · negative
Jimmy Herf
friendship · ambivalent
Ellen Thatcher
romantic · negative
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and… How this plays out →
Ellen Thatcher
romantic · negative
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and… How this plays out →
Emily Merivale
romantic · negative
Jimmy Herf
friendship · ambivalent
Emily Merivale
romantic · negative

Ellen Thatcher
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and eventual tragedy.
Jimmy Herf
College friends and fellow idealists who share a cynical view of society, though Stan's self-destruction strains their bond.
Emily Merivale
A wealthy socialite who becomes infatuated with Stan, but their relationship is undermined by his alcoholism and self-destruction.
Jimmy Herf
College friends and fellow idealists who share a cynical view of society, though Stan's self-destruction strains their bond.
Ellen Thatcher
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and eventual tragedy.
Ellen Thatcher
A passionate but destructive love affair marked by alcoholism, emotional volatility, and eventual tragedy.
Emily Merivale
A wealthy socialite who becomes infatuated with Stan, but their relationship is undermined by his alcoholism and self-destruction.
Jimmy Herf
College friends and fellow idealists who share a cynical view of society, though Stan's self-destruction strains their bond.
Emily Merivale
A wealthy socialite who becomes infatuated with Stan, but their relationship is undermined by his alcoholism and self-destruction.

Relationship notes

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

See Stan Emery in section i

In the story

Stan Emery appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Section II
Engages in the city's social scene, reflecting themes of self-destruction.
I: Great Lady on a White Horse
Drunk college student; son of a senior partner; intrudes on Ellen and George's table.
IV: Fire Engine
Drunk and disruptive, he passes out in Ellen's bathtub, prompting her and Milly to manage his care.
VI: Five Statutory Questions
Appears drunk at the roofgarden with his new wife Pearline, having impulsively married her during a trip.
VII: Rollercoaster
Drunk, disoriented, attends a dance, gets into a fight, wakes on a ferry, and sets his apartment on fire.
Section III
Stan Emery appears in scenes highlighting his reckless behavior and the consequences of his actions.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Stan Emery unlock in the free preview.

See Stan Emery in section i

See Stan Emery in Section II