The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Character

Ulysses S. Grant

The former president and general whose quiet dignity and late-life memoir project draw Mark Twain into the publishing gamble of a lifetime.

supporting

Also known as General Grant, Grant, The Grant

First appearance: The Grant Dictations

As a supporting figure in The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Former president and general; dictating his memoirs while terminally ill.

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In The Grant Dictations: Former president and general; dictating his memoirs while terminally ill. Later, in The Chicago G.A.R. Festival: Guest of honor at the festival; Twain recalls meeting him in 1866 and 1879, and…

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Character Web

35 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Family and Household
Grant Family and Artistic Associates
Extended Acquaintances and Cultural Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Ulysses S. Grant appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Grant Dictations
Former president and general; dictating his memoirs while terminally ill.
The Chicago G.A.R. Festival
Guest of honor at the festival; Twain recalls meeting him in 1866 and 1879, and their exchange about embarrassment.
Grant and the Chinese
Shows strong interest in China, declines compensation for helping with a railway syndicate, and writes a letter to Li Hung-Chang that reverses the Chinese government's decision on student schools.
A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant
Agrees to help Howells; resists Twain's initial push to write memoirs; shares anecdotes about 'Squibob' Derby.
About General Grant's "Memoirs"
Author of the memoirs; suffering from throat cancer and financial hardship; discusses Ward's betrayal with Twain.
Gerhardt and the Grant Bust
The subject of the bust; patient and cooperative during the sculpting process despite his illness.
The Reverend Doctor N⸺ Visits General Grant
Lying near death; the nation awaits news of his passing; described as a plainspoken, good man who was not a praying man.
Monday, February 26, 1906
Mark Twain visits General Grant upon arriving in New York.
Wednesday, March 7, 1906
Visited by Twain earlier in the day before the trip to Vassar.
Monday, March 12, 1906
Referenced indirectly through the mention of Civil War battles.
Endnotes
His Memoirs were published by Mark Twain; his death noted.

Chapter companion notes

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