# Robert Ames — Sister Carrie character guide

> Robert Ames in Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Ames, Ames, young Ames

**First appearance:** 0030-xxxi-a-pet-of-good-fortune-broadway-flaunts-its-joys

## Who they are

An intelligent young man who offers Carrie intellectual companionship.

## In the story

### [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)

Ames dines with the Vances and Carrie at Sherry's. He expresses disdain for wealth and luxury, criticizes popular novels like Dora Thorne, and impresses Carrie with his intelligence and moral clarity.

### [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 recalls Ames's ideals about riches not being everything and the value of the stage, which influences her discontent.

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

Offers Carrie insightful, almost philosophical observations about her natural expression and urges her to pursue serious drama, stirring her inner longings.

### [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)

Ames is mentioned as the one who recommended Père Goriot to Carrie, influencing her intellectual growth.

## Links

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