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The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Character

William Dean Howells

The Atlantic editor and novelist who became Twain's most trusted literary friend and gentle critical conscience.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Howells, Howells, old Mr. Howells

First appearance: A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant

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

Accompanies Twain to seek Grant's help for his father's consulate.
In the storyA Call with W. D. Howells on General GrantOpen this moment free
See William Dean Howells in A Call with W. D. Howells on General GrantBook page

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In A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant: Accompanies Twain to seek Grant's help for his father's consulate. Later, in Ralph Keeler:…

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See William Dean Howells in A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how William Dean Howells sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

HKHelen KellerUSUlysses S. GrantJGJoe GoodmanPMPatrick McAleerCDCharles Dudley…WDWilliam Dean Howells

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Literary and Social Circle
  • Family and Household
  • Early Influences and Philosophical Figures

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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

William Dean Howells appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See William Dean Howells in A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant
See William Dean Howells in A Call with W. D. Howells on General Grant
William Dean Howells in The Autobiography of Mark Twain