# Mark Twain — The Autobiography of Mark Twain character guide > Mark Twain in The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Samuel L. Clemens, Mr. Clemens, S. L. Clemens, Sam, Mark **First appearance:** 0002-early-fragments ## Who they are The white-suited humorist who turns his own life into a laboratory, testing memory against legend while insisting the truth is stranger and funnier than any fiction. ## Relationships ### [Susy Clemens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters/susy_clemens) _family_ Father and daughter, with Twain deeply affectionate and proud of Susy's intellect. ### [Livy Clemens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters/livy_clemens) _family_ Husband and wife, with Livy acting as Twain's editor and emotional anchor. ### [Livy Clemens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters/livy_clemens) _family_ Husband and wife, with Livy acting as Twain's editor and emotional anchor. ## In the story ### [Early Fragments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/early-fragments) Author and narrator, reflecting on the nature of biography and the inner life. ### [The Autobiography of Mark Twain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/the-autobiography-of-mark-twain) The author and narrator, beginning his autobiographical dictation. ### [The Tennessee Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-tennessee-land) Narrator and son of the land purchaser, reflecting on the family's enduring hope in the Tennessee land. ### [Early Years in Florida, Missouri](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-early-years-in-florida-missouri) Narrator and subject of the chapter, born in Florida, Missouri in 1835. ### [The Grant Dictations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-grant-dictations) Narrator and publisher of Grant's memoirs; describes his role in the dictation process. ### [The Chicago G.A.R. Festival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-chicago-g-a-r-festival) Narrator and speaker at the banquet, delivering the 'Babies' toast. ### [Grant and the Chinese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-grant-and-the-chinese) Narrator and participant in the events, introduces Yung Wing to Grant and later brings Rev. Twichell to seek Grant's help for Chinese students. ### [A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-a-call-with-w-d-howells-on-general-grant) Narrator and advocate for Grant's memoirs; arranges the meeting with Howells and Grant. ### [About General Grant's "Memoirs"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-about-general-grant-s-memoirs) Narrator and advocate for Grant; negotiates the publishing contract and expresses outrage at the Century Company's offer. ### [Gerhardt and the Grant Bust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-gerhardt-and-the-grant-bust) Narrator and benefactor to Gerhardt; arranges the meeting with the Grant family. ### [The Reverend Doctor N⸺ Visits General Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-reverend-doctor-n-visits-general-grant) Dictates the chapter and offers critical commentary on Reverend N⸺'s reports. ### [The Machine Episode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-machine-episode) Narrator and investor in Paige's typesetting machine, reflecting on his financial risks and losses. ### [Chapters Begun in Vienna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-chapters-begun-in-vienna) The author and narrator, dictating his autobiography in Vienna. ### [Early Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-early-days) Narrator and central figure; recalls his childhood summers at his uncle's farm and his family's history with the Tennessee land. ### [Jane Lampton Clemens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-jane-lampton-clemens) The author, reflecting on his mother's life and character from his childhood memories. ### [Playing "Bear"—Herrings—Jim Wolf and the Cats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-playing-bear-herrings-jim-wolf-and-the-cats) Narrates his boyhood experiences in Hannibal, including his bear costume rehearsal and his guilty reactions to local tragedies. ### [Jim Wolf and the Cats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-jim-wolf-and-the-cats) Narrator and young instigator of Jim's roof adventure; later a struggling writer in New York and a lecturer in London. ### [Macfarlane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-macfarlane) The narrator, aged twenty, living in a Cincinnati boardinghouse and spending evenings with Macfarlane. ### [Old Lecture Days in Boston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-old-lecture-days-in-boston) Narrator and lecturer who began lecturing in 1866, participated in the Boston lecture circuit, and observed both Nasby's success and De Cordova's failure. ### [Ralph Keeler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-ralph-keeler) Narrator and friend of Keeler; recalls their time together in Boston and on lecture tours. ### [Beauties of the German Language](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-beauties-of-the-german-language) Lecturer and narrator, receives the clipping and comments on German language. ### [A Viennese Procession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-a-viennese-procession) Narrator and observer of the Viennese procession; reflects on his age and past experiences with processions. ### [Comment on Tautology and Grammar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-comment-on-tautology-and-grammar) Author and narrator, expressing his views on tautology and grammar. ### [Private History of a Ms. That Came to Grief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-private-history-of-a-ms-that-came-to-grief) Narrator and author of the introduction; proud of his English style and critical of Mr. X's editing. ### [The Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-the-letter) Author of the letter; delivers a biting critique of an editor's corrections to his writing on Joan of Arc. ### [Chapters Added in Florence 1904](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-chapters-added-in-florence) The author and narrator, reflecting on his autobiography and life in Florence. ### [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-author-s-note) The author and narrator, who describes his innovative method for writing his autobiography. ### [Villa Quarto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-villa-quarto) Narrator and current occupant of Villa Quarto, describing the house and its history. ### [Villa Quarto (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-villa-quarto-continued) Narrator and observer, describing the villa and his search for a suitable home. ### [A Memory of John Hay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-a-memory-of-john-hay) Narrator and subject of the chapter; recalls his visit with John Hay and his struggles with autobiography. ### [Notes on “Innocents Abroad”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-notes-on-innocents-abroad) Author and narrator, reflecting on his younger self and the writing of 'The Innocents Abroad.' ### [Stevenson, Aldrich, etc.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-stevenson-aldrich-etc) Narrator and participant in the conversation with Stevenson. ### [Henry H. Rogers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-henry-h-rogers) Narrator and close friend of Henry H. Rogers; reflects on their eleven-year friendship and Rogers's influence on his financial affairs. ### [Henry H. Rogers (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-henry-h-rogers-continued) Narrator reflecting on his financial failure, debt repayment, and gratitude toward Rogers. ### [Interval of Two Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-interval-of-two-years) Dictating his autobiography, reflecting on the interval of two years. ### [January 9, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-january-9-1906) Dictates his thoughts on the autobiography project and recalls his time in Nevada. ### [New York, January 10, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-10-1906) Narrator and autobiographer, reflecting on the nature of autobiography and commenting on current events. ### [New York, January 12, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-12-1906) Narrator and host of the gathering; reflects on the club members' speaking styles and the cigar incident. ### [The Prophetic Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-13-1906) Dictates his prophetic dream about his brother Henry's death and recounts the events of the Pennsylvania disaster. ### [New York, January 15, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-15-1906) Narrator and central figure; reflects on his dream about his brother's death and his conversation with Doctor Burton. ### [Mrs. Morris's Illness Takes a Serious Turn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-mrs-morris-s-illness-takes-a-serious-turn) Dictating his autobiography, reflecting on news vs. history, and recalling his collaboration with William Swinton. ### [New York, January 15th, Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-15th-continued) Dictates his autobiography, reflecting on his method and recounting the story of John Malone. ### [About General Sickles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-about-general-sickles) Narrator and observer of General Sickles' behavior. ### [New York, January 16th, Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-january-16th-continued) Narrator and observer; reflects on General Sickles, Twichell's story, and proposes a magazine idea. ### [New York, Thursday, January 18, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-new-york-thursday-january-18-1906) Narrator and observer, reflecting on funerals and political events. ### [About Dueling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-about-dueling) Narrator and former city editor; describes his lack of desire to duel and his accidental escape from a duel with Laird. ### [Mark Twain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-mark-twain) Narrator and central figure; attends Carnegie Hall meeting, reflects on past speeches and encounters. ### [The Character of Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-the-character-of-man) The author and narrator, delivering a philosophical diatribe on human nature. ### [New York, Wednesday, January 24, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-wednesday-january-24-1906) Narrator and central figure; describes his political independence and refusal to vote for Blaine. ### [New York, Thursday, February 1, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-thursday-february-1-1906) Twain narrates the story and expresses exasperation at Twichell's Republican voting, but ultimately justifies it as a family duty. ### [New York, February 1, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-february-1-1906) Narrator reflecting on his marriage and household. ### [New York, Friday, February 2, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-friday-february-2-1906) Narrator and grieving father, reflecting on Susy's life and death. ### [New York, Monday, February 5, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-monday-february-5-1906) Narrator and reminiscing father, recalling Dr. John Brown and Susy's childhood. ### [Playing 'The Prince and the Pauper'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-tuesday-february-6-1906) Recalls the home performance of 'The Prince and the Pauper' and his role as Miles Hendon. ### [Wednesday, February 7, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-february-7-1906) Narrates the chapter, reflecting on critical reviews and his daughter's biography. ### [New York, Thursday, February 8, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-thursday-february-8-1906) Narrator and subject of Susy's biography; reflects on his quirks, his role as a romancer, and his experience with the burglar alarm. ### [New York, Friday, February 9, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-friday-february-9-1906) Dictates the chapter, reflecting on Susy's biography, his editing habits, and the bathroom language incident. ### [New York, Monday, February 12, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-monday-february-12-1906) Narrates and reflects on his childhood, Susy's biography, and his relationship with his mother and brother Henry. ### [New York, Tuesday, February 13, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-tuesday-february-13-1906) Narrates the chapter, reflecting on his past reforms, his Cadet of Temperance experience, and his first meeting with Livy Langdon. ### [New York, Wednesday, February 14, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-wednesday-february-14-1906) Narrates the story of his accident and courtship of Livy. ### [New York, Thursday, February 15, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-thursday-february-15-1906) Narrates the chapter, reading from Susy's biography and reflecting on his nursing duties during Jervis Langdon's final illness. ### [Friday, February 16, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-february-16-1906) Narrator reflecting on Susy's biography and his own past business decisions. ### [Tuesday, February 20, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-tuesday-february-20-1906) Narrator reflecting on his past, his meeting with Anson Burlingame, and the Hornet disaster reporting. ### [New York, Wednesday, February 21, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-wednesday-february-21-1906) Narrator and author, recalling a conversation with his father-in-law about contracts and business wisdom. ### [New York, Thursday, February 22, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-thursday-february-22-1906) Narrator and central figure, reflecting on past memories and recent events. ### [Friday, February 23, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-february-23-1906) Narrates the chapter; is appointed to negotiate with Henry W. Sage and is praised for his supposed business talents. ### [Monday, February 26, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-february-26-1906) Narrates the chapter, describing his experiences with Authors' Readings and his visit to General Grant. ### [Monday, March 5, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-5-1906) Narrates the chapter; recalls heedless behavior, Livy's warnings, and the family's signal system. ### [Tuesday, March 6, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-tuesday-march-6-1906) Narrates his visit to Governor Cleveland, his mugwump principles, and his letter to Baby Ruth Cleveland to help Mr. Mason. ### [Wednesday, March 7, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-march-7-1906) Narrator and protagonist; recounts the trip to Vassar with Susy, his opinions on the college president, and his fondness for girls. ### [Thursday, March 8, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-thursday-march-8-1906) Dictates his response to the letter about Huckleberry Finn's original, reflects on boyhood memories, and recounts the story of the sextons' reforms. ### [Friday, March 9, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-9-1906) Narrator reminiscing about his schoolmates in Hannibal, Missouri, sixty years ago. ### [Monday, March 12, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-12-1906) Delivers a scathing commentary on the Moro massacre, contrasting it with other military engagements and criticizing the press and President Roosevelt. ### [Wednesday, March 14, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-march-14-1906) Author and narrator, expressing outrage at the Moro massacre and criticizing President Roosevelt and General Wood. ### [Monday, March 5, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-5-1906) Narrates the chapter, reflecting on Patrick's funeral, his speech, and his friendships. ### [Friday, March 16, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-16-1906) Narrates memories of his Hannibal childhood, schoolmates, and the measles epidemic. ### [Wednesday, March 21, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-march-21-1906) Dictates the chapter, reflecting on mental telegraphy, his correspondence with Jock Brown, and his experiences with the Players' Club. ### [Friday, March 22, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-22-1906) Narrates the chapter, confesses guilt over not taking Livy to see Dr. John Brown, and recalls meeting Lewis Carroll and other literary figures. ### [Friday, March 23, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-23-1906) Narrator and recipient of oddly addressed letters; reminisces about Harriet Beecher Stowe and her husband. ### [Monday, March 26, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-26-1906) Dictates his autobiography, discusses its system with Howells, and reflects on newspaper stories and his past. ### [Tuesday, March 27, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-tuesday-march-27-1906) Narrates his past in Nevada and his scheme for securing employment without letters of introduction. ### [Wednesday, March 28, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-march-28-1906) Narrator and observer, reflecting on his brother Orion's personality and family history. ### [Thursday, March 29, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-thursday-march-29-1906) Narrates his early life as a printer's apprentice, pilot, and traveler; recalls supporting Orion and his own adventures. ### [Friday, March 30, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-30-1906) Presides at the meeting for the adult blind, writes a letter supporting the Russian revolution, and recounts his first meeting with Helen Keller. ### [Monday, April 2, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-april-2-1906) Narrates the chapter, describing his early journalism on the Virginia City Enterprise and his role in the legislature. ### [Wednesday, April 4, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-april-4-1906) Narrator and central figure; attends receptions, reflects on his autobiography, and comments on the Nast sale. ### [Thursday, April 5, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-thursday-april-5-1906) Narrator and central figure; reflects on the Tennessee land, his brother Orion's misfortunes, and composes a cablegram for Ellen Terry. ### [Orion Clemens Resumed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-orion-clemens-resumed) Narrator and financial supporter of Orion; reflects on his brother's failures and the family's Tennessee land. ### [Friday, April 6, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-april-6-1906) Narrator; meets Etta Booth in Washington Square; reflects on his house and his brother Orion's life. ### [Orion Resumed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-orion-resumed) Narrator; reflects on his suggestion that Orion write an autobiography and on his own inability to include shameful incidents. ### [Monday, April 9, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-april-9-1906) Dictates the chapter, reflects on the censorship of his books, and corresponds with Asa Don Dickinson. ### [Tuesday, April 10, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-tuesday-april-10-1906) Narrator and central figure; reflects on letters about Huck Finn, reads White's autobiography, and recounts the Fiske-Cornell lawsuit and his employment scheme. ### [Wednesday, April 11, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-wednesday-april-11-1906) Narrator and central figure; reflects on his first New York lecture and the fame it brought. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/endnotes) Author and subject of the endnotes; provides corrections and remarks. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters/mark_twain - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters