Short Fiction · Character

Bert

A husband dragged along on his wife's scheme to meet a Follies comedian, Bert supplies the dry running commentary on the whole expedition.

supporting

Also known as Minnie, Wilson, Willie Troy, Troy, Willie

First appearance: my roomy

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Bert is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

First baseman who nearly gets hit by Elliott's line drive.

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Bert is the reluctant participant in the women's plan to get introduced to Ralston, the comedian they've decided is worth knowing. He grouses about the dressing up, the taxi, the eleven-dollar hotel dinner, and the whole business of chasing a man who's only on stage once an act — but he goes along, and his deadpan asides give the story its comic perspective. His skepticism about whether Ralston will stick around longer than the other gentleman friends is the voice of experience, and his running tally of the evening's absurdities makes him the reader's ally.

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Character Web

57 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Baseball and Social Circles
Speed and Acquaintances

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak of the crowd’s self-deception, where their…

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In the story

Bert appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
First baseman who nearly gets hit by Elliott's line drive.
Tour No. 2
Larry's brother Ed, recipient of the letters.
I
Mentioned as Ed, Larry's brother to whom the letters are addressed.
II
Referred to as 'Minnie' in the letters, Larry's companion who can understand German and is resting in the hotel.
The Clubby Roadster
The narrator, who provides a skeptical and humorous commentary on Harry's driving and the trip's many mishaps.
VII: Hudson
Narrator of the chapter, describes the family's misadventures in Hudson.
X: N.Y. To Grenitch 500.0
Narrator of the chapter, traveling with his father to their new home.
Some Like Them Cold
Chas. F. Lewis, the letter writer, shares news about his song, his job, and his engagement.
Who Dealt?
Bert is likely the narrator's husband, also referred to as Tom, but the name 'Bert' appears in the aliases for this character. He is the subject of the narrator's anecdotes about his writing and personal habits.
Rhythm
Sam Rose, a lyricist and former collaborator of Harry, who is replaced by Spencer Deal.
IX: Yale, Beaten by Blind Boys
Narrator and Yale captain who resigns and later visits the Grudge family.
X: A Gay Christmas Eve
Mr. Grudge, called Doc, suggests carols and gives horses as gifts.
XI: How I Swam the Hudson
The narrator's hockey teammate at Princeton, also known as Carson Hull.
XXV: Even Judge Ogle Smiled
Col. William Grenfall, who helps open taxi doors and tells a story at the luncheon.
Sun Cured
Fretts, the insurance man from Brooklyn, who shares his wild Miami vacation stories with Walters on the train.

Chapter companion notes

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