# Caroline Meeber — Sister Carrie character guide

> Caroline Meeber in Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Carrie, Sister Carrie, Carrie Madenda, Caddie, Miss Madenda

**First appearance:** 0000-i-the-magnet-attracting-a-waif-amid-forces

## Snapshot

A Wisconsin girl who rides a Chicago train toward a bigger life, learning fast that desire, dependency, and the stage can all be doors out of poverty.

## Who they are

Carrie arrives in the city with little more than nervousness and appetite, and the men who help her — Drouet, then Hurstwood — quickly become the terms on which she eats, dresses, and lives. Her defining tension is between a pliant, imitative nature that mirrors whoever surrounds her and a dawning hunger for a self she can call her own. When Hurstwood's money runs out and his gloom fills their shrinking flat, she begins to see the stage less as a fantasy than as the one door she might open herself.

## In the story

### [I: The Magnet Attracting: A Waif Amid Forces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/i-the-magnet-attracting-a-waif-amid-forces)

Leaves home for Chicago at age eighteen, naive and ambitious, carrying only four dollars and her sister's address.

### [II: What Poverty Threatened: Of Granite and Brass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/ii-what-poverty-threatened-of-granite-and-brass)

Arrives at her sister's flat, observes the poverty, writes to Drouet to break off contact, and begins her search for work in Chicago.

### [III: We Question of Fortune: Four-Fifty a Week](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/iii-we-question-of-fortune-four-fifty-a-week)

Carrie spends the day job-hunting, feeling the weight of poverty and desire for material goods, and finally accepts a job at a shoe factory for $4.50 a week.

### [IV: The Spendings of Fancy: Facts Answer with Sneers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/iv-the-spendings-of-fancy-facts-answer-with-sneers)

Carrie starts her job at the shoe factory, enduring the drudgery and vulgarity of the workplace, while her dreams of luxury and amusement clash with the reality of her low wages and the Hanson household's austerity.

### [VI: The Machine and the Maiden: A Knight of Today](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/vi-the-machine-and-the-maiden-a-knight-of-today)

Carrie is weary and disappointed after her first day of work, feels trapped by her circumstances, and longs for a more sympathetic home life. She eventually meets Drouet again, finding relief in his attention.

### [VII: The Lure of the Material: Beauty Speaks for Itself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/vii-the-lure-of-the-material-beauty-speaks-for-itself)

Struggles with guilt over accepting Drouet's money, yet is powerfully drawn to the material goods it can buy; ultimately decides to keep it and go shopping with Drouet.

### [Intimations by Winter: An Ambassador Summoned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/viii-intimations-by-winter-an-ambassador-summoned)

Carrie enjoys Drouet's gifts and the city's luxuries, feeling a thrill of power from her appearance, but is also haunted by memories of her past and a chance encounter with a former coworker.

### [X: The Counsel of Winter: Fortune's Ambassador Calls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/x-the-counsel-of-winter-fortune-s-ambassador-calls)

Settled in Drouet's apartments, she experiences inner conflict between her improved appearance and her guilty conscience; she is flattered by Hurstwood's attention and begins to see Drouet's deficiencies.

### [XI: The Persuasion of Fashion: Feeling Guards O’er Its Own](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xi-the-persuasion-of-fashion-feeling-guards-o-er-its-own)

Becomes increasingly fashion-conscious, imitating graceful women; feels Drouet's lack of sympathy; is drawn to Hurstwood's sophistication at the theater.

### [Of the Lamps of the Mansions: The Ambassador’s Plea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xii-of-the-lamps-of-the-mansions-the-ambassador-s-plea)

Deeply affected by the luxury of the North Side mansions; feels lonely and dissatisfied, and is drawn in by Hurstwood's intense, wordless persuasion.

### [XIII: His Credentials Accepted: A Babel of Tongues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xiii-his-credentials-accepted-a-babel-of-tongues)

Carrie is torn between her loyalty to Drouet and her growing feelings for Hurstwood. She is swayed by Hurstwood's passionate confession and feels a sense of isolation and sympathy for him.

### [XIV: With Eyes and Not Seeing: One Influence Wanes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xiv-with-eyes-and-not-seeing-one-influence-wanes)

Revels in her affection for Hurstwood, feels justified in deceiving Drouet, and begins to see a way out of her situation.

### [XV: The Irk of the Old Ties: The Magic of Youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xv-the-irk-of-the-old-ties-the-magic-of-youth)

Carrie's tender, sympathetic nature is highlighted, along with her material improvement and her deepening emotional connection to Hurstwood. She resists eloping while Drouet is present but ultimately agrees she would leave with Hurstwood if he had to go suddenly.

### [A Witless Aladdin: The Gate to the World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xvi-a-witless-aladdin-the-gate-to-the-world)

Carrie is persuaded by Drouet to take a role in an amateur play; she discovers her natural talent for acting and begins rehearsing the part of Laura.

### [XVII: A Glimpse Through the Gateway: Hope Lightens the Eye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xvii-a-glimpse-through-the-gateway-hope-lightens-the-eye)

Carrie is excited and hopeful about her role in the amateur play, showing newfound ambition and capability.

### [XVIII: Just Over the Border: A Hail and Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xviii-just-over-the-border-a-hail-and-farewell)

Carrie is nervous but captivated by the theatrical atmosphere, practicing her makeup and rehearsing her role as Laura. She dreams of becoming a real actress.

### [An Hour in Elfland: A Clamour Half Heard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xix-an-hour-in-elfland-a-clamour-half-heard)

Carrie performs in the amateur play, initially nervous but later delivering a moving performance that captivates Hurstwood and Drouet.

### [XX: The Lure of the Spirit: The Flesh in Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xx-the-lure-of-the-spirit-the-flesh-in-pursuit)

Exhilarated by her recent triumph and Hurstwood's passion, she feels a new sense of power and independence, looking forward to meeting him.

### [XXI: The Lure of the Spirit: The Flesh in Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxi-the-lure-of-the-spirit-the-flesh-in-pursuit)

Carrie is torn between her growing affection for Hurstwood and her uncertainty about his intentions, ultimately agreeing to elope with him.

### [XXIII: A Spirit in Travail: One Rung Put Behind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxiii-a-spirit-in-travail-one-rung-put-behind)

Carrie is torn by indecision and guilt after promising to elope with Hurstwood. She reflects on her precarious situation and ultimately defends herself against Drouet's accusations, feeling betrayed by both men.

### [XXIV: Ashes of Tinder: A Face at the Window](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxiv-ashes-of-tinder-a-face-at-the-window)

Carrie is mentioned as the object of Hurstwood's thoughts and the reason for his meeting at the park, but she does not appear in the chapter; her absence adds to his distress.

### [XXV: Ashes of Tinder: The Loosing of Stays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxv-ashes-of-tinder-the-loosing-of-stays)

Carrie is absent from the chapter but is the object of Hurstwood's desperate longing and worry. Her failure to meet or write him intensifies his anguish.

### [XXVI: The Ambassador Fallen: A Search for the Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxvi-the-ambassador-fallen-a-search-for-the-gate)

Left alone after Drouet's departure, she reflects on her situation, counts her meager savings, and decides to seek work, eventually considering the stage.

### [XXVII: When Waters Engulf Us We Reach for a Star](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxvii-when-waters-engulf-us-we-reach-for-a-star)

Carrie is mentioned as having written a letter to Hurstwood and as being out at the theatre when he calls. She is later roused from sleep by Hurstwood's urgent knock.

### [XXVIII: A Pilgrim, an Outlaw: The Spirit Detained](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxviii-a-pilgrim-an-outlaw-the-spirit-detained)

Carrie is deceived by Hurstwood into leaving Chicago, initially believing Drouet is hurt. She wavers between resistance and helplessness, eventually agreeing to travel with Hurstwood.

### [XXIX: The Solace of Travel: The Boats of the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxix-the-solace-of-travel-the-boats-of-the-sea)

Travels with Hurstwood to Montreal and New York, feeling hopeful about her future and forming her own opinions about the new city.

### [XXX: The Kingdom of Greatness: The Pilgrim Adream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxx-the-kingdom-of-greatness-the-pilgrim-adream)

Carrie observes Hurstwood's changed behavior and diminished circumstances, feeling a growing distance and dissatisfaction.

### [A Pet of Good Fortune: Broadway Flaunts Its Joys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxi-a-pet-of-good-fortune-broadway-flaunts-its-joys)

Settles into her New York flat, enjoys domestic life, but grows lonely and dissatisfied after comparing herself to Mrs. Vance and observing Broadway's fashionable parade.

### [The Feast of Belshazzar: A Seer to Translate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxii-the-feast-of-belshazzar-a-seer-to-translate)

Carrie is deeply stirred by the matinee and the opulence of Broadway, leading to a moody discontent with her life. She later dines at Sherry's with the Vances and Ames, feeling both drawn to and challenged by Ames's intellectual and moral perspective.

### [Without the Walled City: The Slope of the Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxiii-without-the-walled-city-the-slope-of-the-years)

Feels lonely and dissatisfied after the Vances leave; reluctantly agrees to move to a smaller flat; begins to see Hurstwood as a man rather than a lover.

### [XXXIV: The Grind of the Millstones: A Sample of Chaff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-grind-of-the-millstones-a-sample-of-chaff)

Carrie dreads the return of poverty, contrasts her life with the Vances' glamour, and grows distant from Hurstwood as his business fails.

### [The Passing of Effort: The Visage of Care](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxv-the-passing-of-effort-the-visage-of-care)

Grows contemptuous of Hurstwood's idleness, begins sleeping alone, cries over her trapped life, and reluctantly uses him for errands.

### [A Grim Retrogression: The Phantom of Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxvi-a-grim-retrogression-the-phantom-of-chance)

Carrie is humiliated by Hurstwood's appearance when Mrs. Vance calls, and later confronts him about his lies and idleness.

### [The Spirit Awakens: New Search for the Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-spirit-awakens-new-search-for-the-gate)

Carrie, now desperate as Hurstwood's money runs out, actively seeks a way onto the stage, visiting theatrical agents and dreaming of a career on Broadway.

### [XXXVIII: In Elf Land Disporting: The Grim World Without](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxviii-in-elf-land-disporting-the-grim-world-without)

Carrie lands a chorus role at the Casino, experiences a mix of elation and anxiety, and begins to question Hurstwood's idleness.

### [XXXIX: Of Lights and of Shadows: The Parting of Worlds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxix-of-lights-and-of-shadows-the-parting-of-worlds)

Grows resentful of supporting Hurstwood, seeks relief in social outings with chorus girls and young men, and receives a promotion to lead the chorus line.

### [XL: A Public Dissension: A Final Appeal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xl-a-public-dissension-a-final-appeal)

Carrie returns home late, feels indifferent to the flat, and is distressed by the grocer's bill. She secures a new engagement at $20 per week and becomes more detached from Hurstwood.

### [XLII: A Touch of Spring: The Empty Shell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlii-a-touch-of-spring-the-empty-shell)

Gains a speaking line in the opera, feels her own strength, and decides to leave Hurstwood.

### [XLIII: The World Turns Flatterer: An Eye in the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xliii-the-world-turns-flatterer-an-eye-in-the-dark)

Carrie enjoys her new independence, receives her first newspaper notice, and becomes a hit in the burlesque through her comedic frown. She signs a new contract for $150 a week.

### [XLIV: And This Is Not Elf Land: What Gold Will Not Buy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xliv-and-this-is-not-elf-land-what-gold-will-not-buy)

Carrie enjoys the perks of her rising fame—a new dressing room, a carriage, and hotel offers—but feels lonely and unfulfilled despite her financial success.

### [XLV: Curious Shifts of the Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlv-curious-shifts-of-the-poor)

Carrie is mentioned as a successful actress, with her picture in newspapers and posters; Hurstwood sees her as distant and successful.

### [XLVI: Stirring Troubled Waters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlvi-stirring-troubled-waters)

Now a successful actress in New York, she is visited by Drouet and later engages in a profound conversation with Ames about her artistic potential.

### [XLVII: The Way of the Beaten: A Harp in the Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlvii-the-way-of-the-beaten-a-harp-in-the-wind)

Carrie is now a successful actress living at the Waldorf, reading Père Goriot and reflecting on her past relationships. She remains unaware of Hurstwood's fate.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/caroline_meeber
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters