# William Dean Howells — The Autobiography of Mark Twain character guide

> William Dean Howells in The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0009-volume-i-a-call-with-w-d-howells-on-general-grant

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [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)

Accompanies Twain to seek Grant's help for his father's consulate.

### [Ralph Keeler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-i-ralph-keeler)

Mentioned as one of the distinguished men Keeler comraded with in Boston.

### [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)

Mentioned as one of the literary experts who praised Twain's English.

### [Monday, February 26, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-february-26-1906)

Participates in Authors' Readings; Twain criticizes his inability to shorten his readings.

### [Monday, March 5, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-5-1906)

Mentioned in a letter read by Twain during his speech, commenting on aging and Patrick's age.

### [Monday, March 26, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-monday-march-26-1906)

Visits Twain, hears the scheme of the autobiography, and praises it.

### [Thursday, March 29, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-thursday-march-29-1906)

Not directly mentioned in this chapter.

### [Friday, March 30, 1906](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-friday-march-30-1906)

Sits with Helen Keller and tells her a story during the gathering at Laurence Hutton's house.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/characters/william_dean_howells
- 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