The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Character

Joe Twichell

Hartford's irreverent pastor and Twain's walking companion, forever stumbling into providence and the world's best anecdotes by accident.

supporting

Also known as Rev. Joe Twichell, Mr. Twichell, Twichell

First appearance: volume i early years in florida missouri

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

Accompanies Twain to meet Grant about the Chinese student issue; Grant speaks authoritatively on the matter.

In the storyGrant and the ChineseOpen this moment free

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With General Sickles (friendship): Sickles and Twichell were friends, likely bonded through Civil War reminiscences and Hartford society. With Henry H. Rogers (friendship): Rogers and Twichell were friends through…

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

See Joe Twichell in volume i early years in florida missouri

Character Web

37 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Family and Household
Extended Acquaintances and Cultural Figures
Literary and Social Circle
Theatrical and Business Associates
Nevada and Criminal Connections

+32 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Twain's moral out…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

General Sickles
friendship · positive
Sickles and Twichell were friends, likely bonded through Civil War reminiscences and… How this plays out →
Henry H. Rogers
friendship · positive
Henry H. Rogers
friendship · positive
General Sickles
friendship · positive
Sickles and Twichell were friends, likely bonded through Civil War reminiscences and… How this plays out →

General Sickles
Sickles and Twichell were friends, likely bonded through Civil War reminiscences and Hartford society.
Henry H. Rogers
Rogers and Twichell were friends through Twain, with Rogers often hosting Twichell.
Henry H. Rogers
Rogers and Twichell were friends through Twain, with Rogers often hosting Twichell.
General Sickles
Sickles and Twichell were friends, likely bonded through Civil War reminiscences and Hartford society.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Joe Twichell in volume i early years in florida missouri

In the story

Joe Twichell appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Grant and the Chinese
Accompanies Twain to meet Grant about the Chinese student issue; Grant speaks authoritatively on the matter.
New York, January 12, 1906
Club member who often gives his speaking turn to others; known for his honesty and occasional pretexts.
Mrs. Morris's Illness Takes a Serious Turn
Visits Twain, brings news of John Malone's death, and discusses old times.
New York, January 15th, Continued
Visits Twain from Hartford, stays overnight, and brings a newspaper clipping announcing John Malone's death.
New York, January 16th, Continued
Twichell recounts carrying General Sickles from battle and making a tourniquet; accompanies Twain to visit Sickles.
Mark Twain
Twain's friend from Hartford; attended the meeting; discussed Twain's Boston speech; his congregation celebrated his fortieth anniversary.
New York, Wednesday, January 24, 1906
Twain's friend and clergyman; suffered damage to his congregation and salary after voting for Cleveland.
New York, Thursday, February 1, 1906
Twichell's unpopular vote nearly caused his dismissal from the pastorate; he was saved by Hubbard's speech about real estate values.
New York, February 1, 1906
Sent letter updating Twain on Patrick's condition.
New York, Friday, February 2, 1906
The Clemens family pastor, who traveled to be with Susy during her final days.
Playing 'The Prince and the Pauper'
His youngest son played a page in the performance.
Friday, February 23, 1906
Mentioned as a close friend of Henry W. Sage; relays Sage's praise of Twain's business talents.
Monday, March 5, 1906
Twain's friend; host for the night after the funeral; subject of anecdotes about the Kanawha yacht and a young man's romantic dilemma.
Wednesday, March 21, 1906
Twain recounts Twichell's adventure in Edinburgh with his wife Harmony, and his description of a military execution during the Civil War.
Friday, March 30, 1906
Mentioned indirectly as part of the gathering; not directly named in the excerpts but present in the context of the meeting.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Joe Twichell unlock in the free preview.

See Joe Twichell in volume i early years in florida missouri

See Joe Twichell in Grant and the Chinese