# George Hurstwood — Sister Carrie character guide > George Hurstwood in Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Hurstwood, Hurstwood, the manager **First appearance:** 0005-vi-the-machine-and-the-maiden-a-knight-of-today ## Snapshot A polished Chicago saloon manager whose comfortable respectability cracks the moment desire, deception, and bad luck start pulling in the same direction. ## Who they are Hurstwood is the well-dressed, well-liked manager of Fitzgerald and Moy's, a man whose whole standing rests on appearances he can no longer afford to keep. His affair with Carrie forces him into lies at home and a slow, humiliating slide from manager to dependent, a man who talks of breaking free while his money and nerve drain away. By the time the flat shrinks to four rooms on Thirteenth Street, he has become the thing he most feared: a gloomy, jobless husband whose decline measures exactly how far Carrie has come. ## Relationships ### [Charles Drouet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/charles_drouet) _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_ Hurstwood knows Lola as a friend of Carrie's, but their interactions are minimal and strained after his decline. ### [Jessica Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/jessica_hurstwood) _family_ Jessica is Hurstwood's daughter, who is spoiled and distant from her father, showing little concern for his downfall. ### [Dr. Beale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/dr_beale) _professional_ Dr. Beale is a colleague and friend of Hurstwood at the saloon, representing the respectable social circle Hurstwood loses. ### [Julia Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/julia_hurstwood) _family_ Hurstwood and Julia are a married couple whose relationship is cold, combative, and ultimately destroyed by his affair with Carrie. ### [Mr. Bamberger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/mr_bamberger) _professional_ Mr. Bamberger is a business associate of Hurstwood, part of the saloon's social and professional network. ### [Moy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/moy) _professional_ Moy is a business partner of Hurstwood at the saloon, who later betrays him during the embezzlement scandal. ### [Charles Drouet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/charles_drouet) _friendship_ Drouet and Hurstwood are friendly acquaintances and drinking companions, but their friendship is undermined by Hurstwood's secret pursuit of Carrie. ### [Charles Drouet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/charles_drouet) _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_ Hurstwood knows Lola as a friend of Carrie's, but their interactions are minimal and strained after his decline. ### [Jessica Hurstwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/jessica_hurstwood) _family_ Jessica is Hurstwood's daughter, who is spoiled and distant from her father, showing little concern for his downfall. ### [Dr. Beale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/dr_beale) _professional_ Dr. Beale is a colleague and friend of Hurstwood at the saloon, representing the respectable social circle Hurstwood loses. ## In the story ### [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) Hurstwood, the manager of Fitzgerald and Moy's, is introduced as a well-dressed, successful man about town who enjoys Drouet's company. ### [Intimations by Winter: An Ambassador Summoned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/viii-intimations-by-winter-an-ambassador-summoned) Hurstwood is introduced as Drouet's friend at Fitzgerald and Moy's; he accepts Drouet's invitation to visit, showing a hint of interest. ### [IX: Convention’s Own Tinderbox: The Eye That Is Green](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/ix-convention-s-own-tinderbox-the-eye-that-is-green) Hurstwood is portrayed as a reserved, dogmatic man who finds more satisfaction in his work than in his family. He tolerates his wife's vanity and children's ambitions but feels little emotional connection at home. ### [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) Visits Carrie and Drouet, displaying polished manners and tact; he charms Carrie with deference, arranges a euchre game, ensures she wins, and invites them to the theater, subtly positioning himself as a refined alternative to Drouet. ### [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) Fascinated by Carrie's youthful beauty; sends theater tickets; deliberately cultivates her admiration, contrasting himself with Drouet. ### [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) Deflects his wife's inquiries about the theatre visit; later visits Carrie alone, using his charm and magnetism to subtly plead his case. ### [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) Hurstwood is deeply infatuated with Carrie, viewing her as a fresh, innocent contrast to the cynical women he has known. He confesses his love and appeals to her sympathy, portraying himself as lonely and in need of affection. ### [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) Enjoys the affair without responsibility, carefully manages appearances with Drouet, and reassures Carrie of his intentions. ### [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) Hurstwood is increasingly absorbed in his affection for Carrie, leading to perfunctory interactions with his family and a growing desire to escape his marriage. ### [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) Hurstwood encourages Carrie's theatrical ambitions, secretly plans to attend the performance, and becomes more charmed by her. ### [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) Hurstwood orchestrates the success of the event by rallying his influential friends and arranging newspaper notices. He is the center of social attention at the theatre. ### [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) Hurstwood is deeply moved by Carrie's performance, feeling a personal appeal in her words and resolving to win her from 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) Consumed by passion for Carrie, he is irritable and distracted, arguing with his wife and longing to resolve the complication with Drouet. ### [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) Hurstwood passionately pursues Carrie, promising marriage and elopement while concealing the truth about his own marriage and the theft he will commit. ### [XXII: The Blaze of the Tinder: Flesh Wars with the Flesh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxii-the-blaze-of-the-tinder-flesh-wars-with-the-flesh) Returns home in a sunny mood after his agreement with Carrie, but faces his wife's accusations and hostility, leading to a defensive and angry confrontation. ### [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) Though absent from the scene, Hurstwood looms large in Carrie's thoughts as she questions his sincerity and her own feelings, ultimately resolving to break off contact with him. ### [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) Hurstwood is in a fevered state, pacing his office and room, worrying about his wife's threat to his future and his managerial position. He waits for Carrie at the park, receives his wife's demanding notes, and goes to his home only to find himself locked out. ### [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) Hurstwood is in a state of extreme mental perturbation, torn between his love for Carrie and the collapse of his marriage. He sends the money to his wife, broods over Carrie's silence, and receives legal threats from his wife's attorneys. ### [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) Mentioned in Carrie's thoughts; she is shocked by his deceit but still recalls his appealing qualities. ### [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) Hurstwood is in turmoil after receiving a letter from Carrie and a decisive note from his business partners. He steals money from the safe and flees, then goes to Carrie's apartment with a fabricated story. ### [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) Hurstwood orchestrates the escape after stealing money, lying to Carrie to get her on the train. He is consumed by guilt and fear of capture, yet remains tender and persuasive toward Carrie. ### [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) Flees to Montreal and New York with Carrie, registers under a false name, negotiates with a detective, and sends back most of the stolen money while keeping $1,300. ### [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) Hurstwood grapples with his reduced status in New York, fears meeting old acquaintances, and seeks a business opportunity to regain stability. ### [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) Manages a saloon, maintains a facade of prosperity, begins staying out late, and fails to notice Carrie's growing discontent. ### [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) Hurstwood notices Carrie's moodiness after the matinee and her expanding desires for finer things, but he does not openly object, though he feels uneasy about her growing wants. ### [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) Grows increasingly gloomy and depressed; broods over his declining fortunes; loses his saloon partnership due to property sale; informs Carrie of the impending financial crisis. ### [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) Hurstwood anxiously searches for new work, worries about his savings, and justifies his past theft to himself. He becomes irritable and gloomy, straining his relationship with Carrie. ### [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) Sinks into apathy, avoids work, shaves less frequently, becomes miserly, and is humiliated by meeting Cargill. ### [A Grim Retrogression: The Phantom of Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xxxvi-a-grim-retrogression-the-phantom-of-chance) Hurstwood sinks further into apathy and shame, snaps at Carrie, reveals the truth about their marriage, and then goes out to a hotel and poker game to escape his reality. ### [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) Hurstwood, nearly out of money and unable to find work, discourages Carrie's acting ambitions while secretly hoping she might support him. ### [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) Hurstwood's job search yields nothing; he feels shame and desperation, eventually appealing to Carrie for financial help. ### [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) Becomes entirely dependent on Carrie's earnings, sinks into apathy and bitterness, and passively watches Carrie drift away from him. ### [XL: A Public Dissension: A Final Appeal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xl-a-public-dissension-a-final-appeal) Hurstwood sinks deeper into poverty and idleness, runs up debts, and is confronted by the grocer. He reads about the Brooklyn trolley strike and decides to apply as a strikebreaker. ### [The Strike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xli-the-strike) Hurstwood works as a scab motorman during a violent strike, enduring cold, abuse, and squalid living conditions. ### [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) Becomes increasingly apathetic, fails at his Brooklyn venture, and is abandoned by Carrie. ### [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) Hurstwood, now living in a third-rate Bleecker Street hotel, reads of Carrie's success and resolves not to bother her, though he feels a mix of pride and resignation. ### [XLV: Curious Shifts of the Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlv-curious-shifts-of-the-poor) Hurstwood is now impoverished, living in a fifteen-cent lodging-house, and his health and appearance have deteriorated. He attempts to find work and considers begging. ### [XLVI: Stirring Troubled Waters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xlvi-stirring-troubled-waters) Mentioned by Drouet; Carrie says she hasn't seen him for some time, indicating their estrangement. ### [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) Hurstwood is shown in the depths of poverty and mental decay, wandering the streets, begging, and attempting to see Carrie before being turned away. He ultimately dies and is buried in Potter's Field. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters/george_hurstwood - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sister_carrie_se/characters