Kirk Winfield

Ruth Bannister

Kirk and Ruth are the central romantic couple, deeply in love and navigating family opposition and personal challenges together.

Bailey Bannister

Bailey Bannister opposes Kirk's marriage to Ruth, viewing him as an unsuitable, poor suitor and actively working against him.

Steve Dingle

Steve Dingle is Kirk's loyal, rough-edged friend and ally, often helping him in practical matters and offering comic relief.

Twentieth-Century Willie

Twentieth-Century Willie is a quirky, loyal friend of Kirk's, often involved in his adventures and schemes.

Percy Shanklyn

Percy Shanklyn is a pretentious rival for Ruth's affection, creating tension and competition with Kirk.

Mamie

Kirk and Mamie are friendly acquaintances, connected through their mutual relationships with Steve Dingle and Ruth.

Mr. Penway

Mr. Penway interacts with Kirk as part of his service to Mrs. Porter, maintaining a polite, helpful demeanor.

Aunt Lora

Aunt Lora is Kirk's relative, likely a maternal figure who cares for him and offers advice.

George Pennicut

George Pennicut is a friend or associate of Kirk, involved in his social or business circles.

Ruth Bannister

Kirk and Ruth are the central romantic couple, deeply in love and navigating family opposition and personal challenges together.

Ruth Bannister

Kirk and Ruth are the central romantic couple, deeply in love and navigating family opposition and personal challenges together.

Steve Dingle

Steve Dingle is Kirk's loyal, rough-edged friend and ally, often helping him in practical matters and offering comic relief.

Book I

The protagonist, a wealthy young man who falls in love with Ruth Bannister.

I: A Pawn of Fate

An artist with a private income; he meets Mrs. Porter after she injures his servant, and she questions him about his health and heredity.

III: The Mates Meet

A wealthy, amiable young man who enjoys a bohemian lifestyle. His routine is disrupted by George Pennicut's injury, leading to introspection and a sudden, intense attraction to Ruth Bannister.

IV: Troubled Waters

Kirk is courting Ruth Bannister, causing changes in his behavior that puzzle his friends. He is irritable and distracted, and his secret meetings with Ruth are discovered by Percy Shanklyn.

Wherein Opposites Agree

Sparring with Steve Dingle; unaware of Bailey's impending visit.

VI: Breaking the News

Kirk is discussed as Ruth's love interest and new husband, though he does not appear in person.

VII: Sufficient Unto Themselves

Now deeply absorbed in marriage, he has abandoned his old friends and struggles with Ruth's control over his work and social life.

VIII: Suspense

Overwhelmed by fear and self-doubt during Ruth's labor, he paces the studio and struggles with his helplessness.

IX: The White Hope Is Turned Down

Overwhelmed by paternal pride, he abandons his painting and dreams of William's combined career as ambassador, champion boxer, and painter.

X: An Interlude of Peace

Enjoys the peaceful domestic life with Ruth and William, expresses gratitude and wariness toward Aunt Lora.

XI: Stung to Action

Faces financial ruin after a stock failure, realizes his artistic neglect, and considers Hank's gold mining offer.

XII: A Climax

Struggles with his artistic confidence and is devastated by Bailey's criticism, leading him to consider Hank's offer.

Book II

William's father, who reluctantly allows Lora to oversee his son's upbringing.

I: Empty-Handed

Returns from South America empty-handed, grieving Hank's death, and feeling like a failed artist.

II: An Unknown Path

Feels like a stranger in a strange world, troubled by the changes wealth has brought and determined to find purpose through painting.

IV: The Widening Gap

Feels increasingly estranged from Ruth and disillusioned by the social whirlwind of their new life.

V: The Real Thing

Sits gloomily in the nursery, watching his son play; he feels like a parolee under Lora's rules and has come to realize Ruth's true motives.

VI: The Outcasts

Resumes painting under Penway's tutelage, feeling apathetic toward Ruth and focusing on his art.

VII: Cutting the Tangled Knot

Tries to bridge the gap with Ruth by suggesting a family outing, but is rebuffed and becomes frustrated.

VIII: Steve to the Rescue

Has left the house and is staying at the studio, working hard after the crisis.

X: Accepting the Gifts of the Gods

Returns from Long Beach to find Mamie waiting; reads Steve's telegram and decides to go to Connecticut.

Mr. Penway on the Grill

Flees to Connecticut with Mamie; his actions are the subject of the chapter's investigation.

Dolls with Souls

Though not present, Kirk looms large in Ruth's thoughts. She realizes she has lost him and hopes to return to him now that the financial barrier is gone.

Pastures New

Steve plans to send him a telegram about the expedition.

XIV: The Sixty-First Street Cyclone

Drives to the shack with Mamie, feeling exhilarated about having his son to himself, though troubled by thoughts of Ruth.

Mrs. Porter's Waterloo

Confronted by Mrs. Porter; remains silent and focused on Ruth, ultimately reconciled with her.

XVI: The White-Hope Link

Reflects on the removal of Lora Delane Porter and the loss of John Bannister's money as a liberation; feels grateful and resolute about the future with his family.