# P. T. Barnum — Struggles and Triumphs character guide

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

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Barnum, Mr. Barnum, Mr. P. T. Barnum, old Barnum, Mr. T., the Barnum, the great Barnum, Phineas T. Barnum, the said Phineas T. Barnum

**First appearance:** 0003-i-early-life

## Snapshot

A showman who turned humbug into an art form, he narrates his own rise from struggling storekeeper to the impresario who made curiosities into national spectacles.

## Who they are

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 ambitious, and he defends both his performers and his own reputation with equal energy. His running argument that character itself is a kind of stock in trade shapes the entire arc, as he builds an empire on the conviction that wonder, honestly sold, is no fraud at all.

## In the story

### [Struggles and Triumphs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/struggles-and-triumphs)

The author and narrator, reflecting on his career and personal philosophy.

### [Early Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/i-early-life)

The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his early life, his visit to Ivy Island, his work as a store clerk, and his religious upbringing.

### [Incidents and Anecdotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/ii-incidents-and-anecdotes)

Narrator and protagonist; begins the world barefooted after father's death, works as a clerk, devises a lottery and a joke about 'Russia' furs.

### [In Business for Myself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/iii-in-business-for-myself)

Narrates his early business ventures, clerkships, and courtship with Charity Hallett.

### [IV: Struggles for a Livelihood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/iv-struggles-for-a-livelihood)

Narrator and protagonist; describes his struggles for a livelihood, marriage, and love of practical jokes.

### [My Start as a Showman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/v-my-start-as-a-showman)

Narrator and protagonist; describes his start as a showman, his philosophy of amusement, and his early exhibitions.

### [My First Travelling Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/vi-my-first-travelling-company)

Narrator and protagonist; forms his first traveling company, manages performances, and navigates various challenges.

### [At the Foot of the Ladder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/vii-at-the-foot-of-the-ladder)

Narrates his disgust with travelling show business, his search for a partner, and his determined efforts to purchase the American Museum.

### [The American Museum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/viii-the-american-museum)

Barnum is the narrator and proprietor of the American Museum, detailing his advertising methods and management.

### [IX: The Road to Riches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/ix-the-road-to-riches)

Narrator and proprietor of the American Museum, reflecting on his rise to fortune and his methods for attracting visitors.

### [X: Another Successful Speculation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/x-another-successful-speculation)

Narrator and protagonist; manages the American Museum, devises schemes to outdo rivals, and discovers Charles Stratton.

### [XI: General Tom Thumb in England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xi-general-tom-thumb-in-england)

Narrator and guardian of General Tom Thumb; orchestrates the London exhibition and royal visit.

### [In France](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xii-in-france)

Barnum acts as the General's avant courier, making arrangements and learning French for business.

### [XIII: In Belgium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xiii-in-belgium)

Narrator and showman; manages the party, negotiates with customs, and offers reward for stolen jewels.

### [XIV: In England Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xiv-in-england-again)

Narrator and central figure; arranges exhibitions, travels, and business deals.

### [Return to America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xv-return-to-america)

Narrator and protagonist; returns to America after three years abroad, engages in a joke with Anderson, and debates with Dr. Baird.

### [XVI: At Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xvi-at-home)

Returns home, renews Museum lease, manages Tom Thumb's return, opens Philadelphia Museum, engages in farming and local society.

### [The Jenny Lind Enterprise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xvii-the-jenny-lind-enterprise)

The author and impresario who conceived and executed the Jenny Lind enterprise.

### [XVIII: The Nightingale in New York](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xviii-the-nightingale-in-new-york)

Arranges Jenny Lind's arrival, meets her aboard the Atlantic, revises contract to give her a larger share, and orchestrates the first concert at Castle Garden.

### [Successful Management](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xix-successful-management)

Narrator and manager, describes his extensive preparations and management of Jenny Lind's tour, including head-work and handwork, and his letter to John Jay.

### [XX: Incidents of the Tour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xx-incidents-of-the-tour)

Narrates the chapter, arranges travel, performs legerdemain tricks, and orchestrates a prank on the barber.

### [XXI: Jenny Lind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxi-jenny-lind)

Narrator and manager; reflects on his management of Jenny Lind's tour, his financial risks, and his charitable contributions.

### [XXII: Close of the Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxii-close-of-the-campaign)

Orchestrates an April Fools' prank, negotiates the end of the Lind engagement, and reflects on the tour's conclusion.

### [Other Enterprises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxiii-other-enterprises)

Narrator and central figure; engages in multiple enterprises, meets Vanderbilt, and orchestrates the elephant plowing advertisement.

### [Work and Play](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxiv-work-and-play)

Narrator and central figure; president of the Agricultural Society, involved in various business ventures.

### [XXV: The Jerome Clock Company Entanglement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxv-the-jerome-clock-company-entanglement)

Narrator and central figure; describes his financial ruin and personal growth from the Jerome Clock Company entanglement.

### [Clouds and Sunshine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxvi-clouds-and-sunshine)

Barnum is the central figure, receiving sympathy and support after his financial collapse; he writes a heartfelt letter of gratitude to the citizens of Bridgeport.

### [Rest, but Not Rust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxvii-rest-but-not-rust)

Narrates his financial troubles, court examinations, summer respite, and decision to go to England.

### [XXVIII: Abroad Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxviii-abroad-again)

Returns to England after ten years, reconnects with old friends, and continues working to pay off debts through exhibitions.

### [XXIX: In Germany](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxix-in-germany)

Narrator and manager; travels with Tom Thumb through Germany, handles customs and police issues, and remits profits to America.

### [XXX: In Holland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxx-in-holland)

Narrator and protagonist; travels through Holland, returns to America to settle clock difficulties, and faces social and financial challenges.

### [The Art of Money Getting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxi-the-art-of-money-getting)

Delivers the lecture 'The Art of Money Getting' across England, reflecting on his financial recovery and engaging with audiences.

### [An Enterprising Englishman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxii-an-enterprising-englishman)

Narrator and subject of the chapter; meets Mr. Wilson in Manchester, receives his gratitude, and later enlists him to measure a French giant.

### [Richard's Himself Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxiii-richard-s-himself-again)

Returns from Europe, works to pay off clock debts, repurchases the Museum, and announces his restoration.

### [Menagerie and Museum Memoranda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxiv-menagerie-and-museum-memoranda)

Narrator and proprietor of the American Museum; partners with Grizzly Adams and engages in wagers and practical jokes.

### [East Bridgeport](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxv-east-bridgeport)

Author and central figure; describes his role in developing East Bridgeport, his offer to loan money for home-building, and his satisfaction in the city's growth.

### [More About the Museum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxvi-more-about-the-museum)

Narrator and showman, orchestrates the cherry-colored cat hoax, leads whaling expedition, and acquires Commodore Nutt.

### [Political and Personal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxviii-political-and-personal)

Narrates his political actions and personal experiences during the Civil War, including his speech on constitutional amendments.

### [The American Museum in Ruins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxxix-the-american-museum-in-ruins)

Receives news of the Museum fire while speaking in the Connecticut Legislature; remains calm, finishes his speech, then visits the ruins; considers retirement but is encouraged to continue.

### [My War on the Railroads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xl-my-war-on-the-railroads)

Author and central figure; serves in Connecticut Legislature, introduces railroad reform bill, runs for Congress.

### [XLI: Bennett and the Herald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xli-bennett-and-the-herald)

Narrator and central figure; recounts his conflict with Bennett and his role in the Managers' Association.

### [Public Lecturing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xlii-public-lecturing)

Narrator and subject of the chapter; delivers lectures on success and temperance across the West, donates proceeds to charity, and helps his nephew purchase a farm.

### [XLIII: The New Museum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xliii-the-new-museum)

Narrates the chapter; forms the Barnum and Van Amburgh Company, acquires the Gordon Cummings collection, visits the White Mountains, and opens Wood's Museum.

### [XLIV: Curious Coincidences.—Number Thirteen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xliv-curious-coincidences-number-thirteen)

Narrator and central figure; recounts his experiences with superstitions and the number thirteen during his Western tour.

### [XLV: A Story-Chapter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xlv-a-story-chapter)

Narrator and central figure; recounts personal anecdotes and observations.

### [XLVI: Seaside Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xlvi-seaside-park)

Originator and driving force behind Seaside Park; purchased and donated land, raised funds, and oversaw improvements.

### [Waldemere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xlvii-waldemere)

Narrator and subject; describes his private life, civic improvements, and building of Waldemere.

### [Appendix I: Rest Only Found in Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/appendix-i-rest-only-found-in-action)

Retires after losing his museum but finds rest unbearable; launches a massive traveling show that becomes a huge success.

### [Appendix II: A Remarkable Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/appendix-ii-a-remarkable-campaign)

Narrates the chapter; reflects on the campaign's success, his temperance work, and his determination to rebuild after the fire.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/conclusion)

Narrator and showman, decides to expand rather than reduce the show, and arranges rail transport.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters/p_t_barnum
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/characters