# Charles Drouet — Sister Carrie character guide > Charles Drouet in Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Charlie Drouet, Charlie, Charley, Mr. Drouet, Charles **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-magnet-attracting-a-waif-amid-forces ## Snapshot A flashy traveling salesman with a good eye for clothes and a better one for a pretty girl, who hands Carrie her first taste of the city's pleasures. ## Who they are Drouet is the drummer who spots Carrie on the train to Chicago, buys her a meal, and later sets her up in a flat with the easy generosity of a man who never quite counts the cost. He is vain, breezy, and genuinely fond of her, but his real gift to the story is accidental: his casual praise of her dramatic ability kindles the ambition that will eventually outgrow him. He believes he is doing Carrie a favor; the novel quietly shows him lighting a flame he cannot control. ## Relationships ### [George Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/george_hurstwood) _friendship_ Drouet and Hurstwood are friendly acquaintances and drinking companions, but their friendship is undermined by Hurstwood's secret pursuit of Carrie. ### [Lola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/lola) _social_ Drouet knows Lola through Carrie and the theater scene, but their connection is superficial and brief. ### [Harry Quincel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/harry_quincel) _friendship_ Harry Quincel is a friend and fellow salesman of Drouet, part of his social and professional circle. ### [George Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/george_hurstwood) _friendship_ Drouet and Hurstwood are friendly acquaintances and drinking companions, but their friendship is undermined by Hurstwood's secret pursuit of Carrie. ### [George Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/george_hurstwood) _friendship_ Drouet and Hurstwood are friendly acquaintances and drinking companions, but their friendship is undermined by Hurstwood's secret pursuit of Carrie. ### [Lola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/lola) _social_ Drouet knows Lola through Carrie and the theater scene, but their connection is superficial and brief. ### [Harry Quincel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/harry_quincel) _friendship_ Harry Quincel is a friend and fellow salesman of Drouet, part of his social and professional circle. ### [Harry Quincel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/harry_quincel) _friendship_ Harry Quincel is a friend and fellow salesman of Drouet, part of his social and professional circle. ## 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) A traveling salesman who sits behind Carrie on the train, flatters her, shows off his purse and business card, and arranges to meet her again. ### [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) Mentioned as the man Carrie met on the train; she writes to him asking him not to call on her at her sister's flat. ### [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 recalls Drouet's promises and the better life he represented, which fuels her renewed optimism. ### [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) Though not physically present, Drouet lingers in Carrie's thoughts as a symbol of the glamour and possibility she craves, contrasting sharply with the grimness of her work and home life. ### [V: A Glittering Night Flower: The Use of a Name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/v-a-glittering-night-flower-the-use-of-a-name) Drouet dines at Rector's and visits Fitzgerald and Moy's, enjoying the atmosphere of success and meeting Hurstwood. ### [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) Drouet reappears unexpectedly, greeting Carrie with warmth and good humor, and takes her to dinner, offering a stark contrast to the dreariness of her current life. ### [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) Generously gives Carrie twenty dollars out of a good heart and a desire for her favor, viewing the transaction as harmless; persuades her to keep the money and takes her to lunch. ### [Intimations by Winter: An Ambassador Summoned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/viii-intimations-by-winter-an-ambassador-summoned) Drouet continues to court Carrie with material comforts and entertainment, and he invites Hurstwood to his home for a game of euchre. ### [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) Provides Carrie with a comfortable home and promises marriage after a Denver trip; he is pleased by Hurstwood's approval of Carrie and remains unaware of the growing attraction between Carrie and Hurstwood. ### [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) Unaware of Carrie's growing dissatisfaction; praises other women's grace, wounding Carrie; takes Carrie to the theater with Hurstwood but fails to perceive the shifting dynamics. ### [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) Drouet is absent from the scene but is referenced as Carrie's benefactor and the man she feels she owes something to. His lighthearted and unstable nature is contrasted with Hurstwood's intensity. ### [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) Returns from his trip, remains oblivious to the affair, and dismisses Carrie's concerns about marriage with a light promise. ### [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) Drouet is mentioned as an obstacle to Carrie and Hurstwood's plans; Carrie refuses to run away while he is still in Chicago. ### [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) Drouet convinces Carrie to act in his lodge's play, gives her the stage name 'Carrie Madenda', and praises her abilities. ### [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) Drouet is initially indifferent to Carrie's rehearsal experience, causing her to feel neglected and turning her toward Hurstwood. ### [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) Drouet accompanies Carrie to the theatre and goes to buy cigars. He is part of Hurstwood's social circle at the event. ### [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) Drouet encourages Carrie before her performance and is also affected by her acting, resolving to marry her. ### [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) Becomes suspicious after the chambermaid reveals Hurstwood's frequent visits; he feels wronged and plans to confront Carrie. ### [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) Drouet is absent from the scene but is the man Carrie is currently involved with, and whom Hurstwood urges her to leave. ### [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) Drouet confronts Carrie about her relationship with Hurstwood, oscillating between jealousy and a desire to reconcile. Frustrated by her evasiveness, he angrily packs his belongings and leaves. ### [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) Returns to the apartment while Carrie is out, retrieves his umbrella and light coat, and leaves, feeling sorry but unresolved. ### [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) Drouet is staying at the Palmer House, and Hurstwood learns he is alone, suggesting a rift between him and Carrie. Hurstwood uses Drouet's absence to approach Carrie. ### [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) Drouet is mentioned as the false pretext for Carrie's departure; Hurstwood claims he is injured to lure Carrie away. ### [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) Mentioned in Carrie's thoughts as a contrast to Ames and Hurstwood. ### [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) Drouet is mentioned indirectly as a past figure; Carrie recalls her earlier success in the amateur play in Chicago, which Drouet helped arrange. ### [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) Referenced indirectly through Carrie's use of the stage name 'Madenda' that Drouet had selected for her in Chicago. ### [XLVI: Stirring Troubled Waters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlvi-stirring-troubled-waters) Reappears in Carrie's life, unchanged and exuberant, seeking to rekindle their old friendship and boasting of his business prospects. ### [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) Drouet is briefly noted as having abandoned his claim on Carrie and is seen no more. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/charles_drouet - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters