Struggles and Triumphs · Character

Commodore Nutt

A diminutive performer in naval dress, he is Barnum's second little celebrity and an unwitting rival in the most talked-about courtship of the age.

supporting

Also known as The little Commodore, Commodore Nutt, little Nutt, Nutt, Commodore, the Commodore, Mrs. Commodore Nutt

First appearance: xxxvii mr and mrs general tom thumb

As a supporting figure in Struggles and Triumphs, Commodore Nutt is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dined at Wilson's house along with General Tom Thumb, his wife, and Minnie Warren.

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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 awkward position of the suitor who was never quite chosen. His presence sharpens the triangle that Barnum turns into a public narrative, and his dignity under disappointment keeps the story from becoming mere farce.

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The fuller portrait of Commodore Nutt sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

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Character Web

33 connections

A slice of how Commodore Nutt sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Barnum's inner circle

+28 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Barnum’s redemption arc:…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Lavinia Warren
romantic · negative
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of… How this plays out →
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
social · ambivalent
Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin
social · ambivalent
Charity Barnum
friendship · positive
Charity Barnum
friendship · positive
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
social · ambivalent
Lavinia Warren
romantic · negative
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of… How this plays out →
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
social · ambivalent
Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin
social · ambivalent
Lavinia Warren
romantic · negative
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of… How this plays out →
Charity Barnum
friendship · positive

Lavinia Warren
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of General Tom Thumb.
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
Commodore Nutt and Mrs. General Tom Thumb are fellow little person performers in Barnum's troupe, often appearing together.
Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin
Commodore Nutt and Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin interact at Barnum's social functions and public events.
Charity Barnum
Charity Barnum shows kindness and maternal care toward Commodore Nutt, a little person performer.
Charity Barnum
Charity Barnum shows kindness and maternal care toward Commodore Nutt, a little person performer.
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
Commodore Nutt and Mrs. General Tom Thumb are fellow little person performers in Barnum's troupe, often appearing together.
Lavinia Warren
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of General Tom Thumb.
Mrs. General Tom Thumb
Commodore Nutt and Mrs. General Tom Thumb are fellow little person performers in Barnum's troupe, often appearing together.
Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin
Commodore Nutt and Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin interact at Barnum's social functions and public events.
Lavinia Warren
Commodore Nutt is a suitor to Lavinia Warren, but she ultimately rejects him in favor of General Tom Thumb.
Charity Barnum
Charity Barnum shows kindness and maternal care toward Commodore Nutt, a little person performer.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Commodore Nutt appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Commodore Nutt unlock in the free preview.

See Commodore Nutt in xxxvii mr and mrs general tom thumb

See Commodore Nutt in An Enterprising Englishman