# Struggles and Triumphs — Character guide

> Key figures in Struggles and Triumphs by P. T. Barnum.

- [P. T. Barnum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/p_t_barnum.md): Barnum moves through the world as pitchman, employer, and self-mythologizer, forever calculating what the public will pay to see. His genius for publicity is inseparable from a genuine affection for the odd and the ambit
- [Jenny Lind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/jenny_lind.md): Lind arrives in America as a European celebrity of almost sacred reputation, and Barnum must balance her artistic scruples against the relentless machinery of profit he has built around her. Her advisers whisper in her e
- [General Tom Thumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/general_tom_thumb.md): Charles Stratton, billed as General Tom Thumb, moves through royal courts and boulevards with a composure that makes his small stature seem almost incidental. His carriage, his costumes, and his performances are carefull
- [Lavinia Warren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/lavinia_warren.md): Lavinia arrives at the Museum as a new attraction, poised and self-possessed, and quickly draws the attention of both Commodore Nutt and Tom Thumb. Her gentle refusal to encourage Nutt without wounding him shows a tact t
- [Commodore Nutt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/commodore_nutt.md): Nutt shares the Museum stage with Lavinia Warren and takes an evident fancy to her, though he is several years her junior. His hopes are quietly overtaken when Tom Thumb arrives and wins her heart, leaving Nutt in the aw
- [Grizzly Adams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/grizzly_adams.md): Adams arrives in New York with a California menagerie and a body wrecked by years of grizzly hugs, yet he performs ferocity with an indomitable will that hides his suffering. He accepts Barnum as an equal partner, trusti
- [Nelson Beers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/nelson_beers.md): Nelson Beers belongs to the early traveling company, one of the hands Barnum gathers as he learns the show trade from the ground up. His story carries a darker weight than the jugglers and lecturers around him, a reminde
- [Sherwood E. Stratton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/sherwood_e_stratton.md): Stratton is the plain-spoken parent who accompanies Barnum and his tiny son across Europe, grumbling at four-in-the-morning departures and "darned old fields of wheat." His wife's gentle prodding—"do try to be like someb
- [Signor Vivalla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/signor_vivalla.md): Vivalla arrives from the Albany Museum as "Signor Antonio," a genuine performer of balancing feats whom Barnum renames and advertises into a sensation. Their partnership is the young showman's second step in the trade, a
- [Mr. James Gordon Bennett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_james_gordon_bennett.md): Bennett stands at the intersection of journalism and amusement, the man whose columns decide which curiosities the public will pay to see. His adversarial relationship with Barnum turns publicity itself into a contest, e
- [Charity Barnum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/charity_barnum.md): Charity is the domestic anchor of Barnum's restless, speculative life, the partner whose practical value he measures in pounds when creditors close in. When Thackeray offers sympathy for his financial ruin, Barnum laughs
- [Joice Heth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/joice_heth.md): Joice Heth is the exhibition that transforms Barnum from shopkeeper into showman, purchased for a thousand dollars on the strength of a Virginia bill of sale and a story no one can verify. Advertised as Washington's nurs
- [Albert Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/albert_smith.md): An English author and entertainer who toured with Barnum.
- [Mr. Dey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_dey.md): An eccentric clergyman who had dealings with Barnum.
- [Wilson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/wilson.md): A business partner or associate of Barnum.
- [Miss Lucretia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/miss_lucretia.md): A young woman who was an early romantic interest of Barnum.
- [Mr. John Greenwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_john_greenwood.md): An Englishman who managed Barnum's London operations.
- [Mr. Gideon Thompson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_gideon_thompson.md): An early mentor and business partner of Barnum.
- [Mrs. Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mrs_simpson.md): A woman who ran a boarding house or had dealings with Barnum.
- [Mr. John Hall Wilton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_john_hall_wilton.md): A business associate involved in the American Museum.
- [Mr. Francis W. Olmsted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_francis_w_olmsted.md): A friend or associate of Barnum.
- [Henry Bennett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/henry_bennett.md): A business rival or associate of Barnum.
- [Mr. Louis Gaylord Clark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_louis_gaylord_clark.md): An editor who had a humorous encounter with Barnum.
- [Mr. James D. Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_james_d_johnson.md): A neighbor and business associate of Barnum.
- [Mrs. General Tom Thumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mrs_general_tom_thumb.md): Lavinia Warren after her marriage to General Tom Thumb.
- [Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/rev_dr_e_h_chapin.md): A prominent clergyman and friend of Barnum.
- [Joe Pentland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/joe_pentland.md): A performer in Barnum's early traveling company.
- [Professor Pinte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/professor_pinte.md): A performer or lecturer associated with Barnum.
- [Mr. William C. Coup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_william_c_coup.md): A partner in Barnum's circus and menagerie ventures.
- [Mr. Julius Benedict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_julius_benedict.md): Jenny Lind's musical conductor and pianist.
- [S. H. Hurd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/s_h_hurd.md): A business associate involved in the Jerome Clock Company.
- [Henry Hawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/henry_hawley.md): A friend and political associate of Barnum.
- [Mr. George A. Wells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_george_a_wells.md): A business associate of Barnum.
- [Mr. Greeley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_greeley.md): Famous editor of the New York Tribune.
- [Mr. Barney Williams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_barney_williams.md): An Irish-American performer associated with Barnum.
- [Helen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/helen.md): A young woman who was a friend or relative of Barnum.
- [Stewart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/stewart.md): A wealthy merchant and friend of Barnum.
- [Old Turner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/old_turner.md): A showman who gave Barnum his start.
- [Mr. Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_simpson.md): A theater manager associated with Barnum.
- [Mr. Genin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_genin.md): A hatter who benefited from Jenny Lind's tour.
- [Le Grand Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/le_grand_smith.md): A business associate of Barnum.
- [Mr. Otto Goldschmidt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_otto_goldschmidt.md): Jenny Lind's husband and a musician.
- [Elias Howe Jr.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/elias_howe_jr.md): Inventor of the sewing machine, associated with Barnum.
- [Doctor Baird](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/doctor_baird.md): A clergyman and author who assisted Barnum.
- [Wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/wood.md): A performer or associate of Barnum.
- [Jack Mallett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/jack_mallett.md): A performer in Barnum's company.
- [Mr. John Jay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_john_jay.md): A friend or associate of Barnum.
- [Phineas Taylor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/phineas_taylor.md): Barnum's maternal grandfather.
- [Mr. Ballard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_ballard.md): A business associate of Barnum.
- [Signor Belletti](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/signor_belletti.md): A singer who toured with Jenny Lind.
- [Mr. William H. Noble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/mr_william_h_noble.md): A business associate of Barnum.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters