My Four Weeks in France · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in My Four Weeks in France by Ring Lardner.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Narrator
major
Also known as I, mine, Mine, I—became, I., Your
A sardonic American journalist chasing press credentials and first-floor rooms through wartime France, he turns air raids, stalled errands, and military red tape into deadpan comedy.
The Captain
supporting
Also known as the captain, The captain
A British officer aboard the crossing whose chess matches and muffined chocolate cups supply the narrator with hours of idle-deck entertainment.
Mr. Kiley
supporting
An American in the ambulance service who volunteers to fetch a major's new car and returns with four flat tires and a police escort's worth of trouble.
The Doctor
supporting
Also known as The Doctor, The doctor
A medical officer at the American camp whose presence marks the narrator's arrival somewhere near the front he has spent weeks trying to reach.
Mr. Gibbons
minor
An American officer or official at the camp.
Joe
minor
A fellow American traveler or soldier met by the narrator.
Captain Finch
supporting
A British officer at the front who helps the narrator navigate the machinery of military hospitality once the press pass finally works.
Frenchy
minor
A French guide or soldier who helps the narrator navigate.
The Officer
minor
Also known as the officer, The officer
An unnamed military officer who gives orders or information.
Mr. O’Flaherty
minor
An Irish or American character met during the journey.
Ring Once, Ring
minor
A telephone operator or signalman mentioned in the narrative.
Howard
minor
An American friend or colleague of the narrator.
Mr. Hanson
minor
An American official or traveler encountered in France.
Mademoiselle
minor
Also known as Mademoiselle, mademoiselle
A French woman who assists or interacts with the narrator.
Auguste
minor
A French local or servant who helps the narrator.
Captain Jones
minor
A British or American officer encountered by the narrator.
Mr. Bowron
minor
An American official or fellow traveler in France.
Mr. Corey
minor
An American acquaintance met during the journey.
Doc Cook
minor
Also known as Doc, Cook
A cook or medic at the American camp.
Mr. Brennan
minor
Also known as Mr. Brennan of Yonkers
An American from Yonkers encountered during the trip.
O’Grady
minor
An Irish or American soldier or traveler mentioned.
M. de M. Hanson
minor
Also known as M. de M. Hanson of Washington and Peoria, . M. de M. Hanson
A French-American character from Washington and Peoria.
Fritz
minor
A German soldier or spy encountered by the narrator.
A British colonel
minor
Also known as A British colonel to whom I had not been introduced
A British colonel the narrator meets briefly at the front.
Monsieur le Préfet
minor
A French prefect who assists the narrator with travel.
Captain Vandervelde
minor
A Belgian or Dutch officer met by the narrator.
