The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Character

Orion Clemens

Mark Twain's older brother, whose sober judgment and steady hand become both a foil and a lifeline for the younger Clemens's wilder schemes.

supporting

Also known as Uncle Orion Clemens, Orion

First appearance: The Tennessee Land

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

Twain's older brother, mentioned in the context of family history.

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Orion Clemens first appears in 0004 volume i the tennessee land.

In The Autobiography of Mark Twain: Twain's older brother, mentioned in the context of family history.

Later, in The Tennessee Land: Elder brother who borrowed money to buy a newspaper while waiting for the land to sell.

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Character Web

24 connections

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Other

Character groups

Family and Household
Nevada Territory Associates
Protagonist
Historical and Fictional Figures
Nevada and Criminal Connections

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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…

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In the story

Orion Clemens appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Autobiography of Mark Twain
Twain's older brother, mentioned in the context of family history.
The Tennessee Land
Elder brother who borrowed money to buy a newspaper while waiting for the land to sell.
Early Years in Florida, Missouri
Mentioned as part of the Clemens family, though not directly named in this excerpt.
Early Days
Mentioned in the context of the Tennessee land; Twain notes that Orion sold his share for $250 in 1894.
Jane Lampton Clemens
Twain's brother, whose death at age ten is recalled as a vivid early memory of his mother's grief.
Chapters Added in Florence 1904
Twain's brother, referenced in discussions of family and early experiences.
Notes on “Innocents Abroad”
Mentioned indirectly as part of Twain's family; referenced in the context of surplus relatives.
New York, Monday, February 12, 1906
Mentioned as Henry in the narrative; Twain's younger brother who was obedient and often reported on Twain.
New York, Tuesday, February 13, 1906
Mentioned as Mark Twain's brother who was appointed Secretary of the State of Nevada.
Wednesday, March 28, 1906
Mark Twain's older brother, described as a curious compound of eagerness, gloom, and impulsiveness; his adventure at Doctor Meredith's house is recounted.
Thursday, March 29, 1906
Struggles as a lawyer and newspaper publisher; marries and moves to Keokuk; supported by Twain.
Monday, April 2, 1906
Served as Acting Governor, built a $12,000 house, and profited from a record-keeping law passed with Mark Twain's help.
Thursday, April 5, 1906
Twain's brother; loses the nomination for Secretary of State due to a spasm of virtue, fails as a lawyer, and later quashes a $200,000 land deal because of temperance scruples.
Orion Clemens Resumed
Twain's brother, whose impracticality and virtue spasms repeatedly thwart financial opportunities, including the Tennessee land sale and a political nomination.
Friday, April 6, 1906
Twain's brother; subject of extended reminiscence about his failed inventions, political eccentricities, and death in 1898.
Friday, April 6, 1906
Orion's wife (unnamed in excerpt); described as a good woman who tried to make a boardinghouse succeed.
Orion Resumed
Twain's brother, subject of the chapter; his failed ventures, eccentric politics, and death are described.
Wednesday, April 11, 1906
Mentioned in passing as having received an accidental title of 'Governor' through Governor Nye's absences.

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See Orion Clemens in The Tennessee Land

See Orion Clemens in The Autobiography of Mark Twain