Aileen Butler

Father Michel

Father Michel is Aileen's father, a powerful political figure who is deeply disappointed by her affair with Cowperwood.

Norah

Norah is Aileen's younger sister, with whom she shares a close but sometimes strained sibling bond.

Father David

Father David is Aileen's brother, who disapproves of her relationship with Cowperwood and tries to protect the family's honor.

Callum Butler

Callum is Aileen's brother, who is protective of her but ultimately powerless against her choices.

Mamie Calligan

Mamie Calligan is a servant or companion in the Butler household, with whom Aileen has a casual, everyday relationship.

Father David

Father David is Aileen's brother, who disapproves of her relationship with Cowperwood and tries to protect the family's honor.

Father Michel

Father Michel is Aileen's father, a powerful political figure who is deeply disappointed by her affair with Cowperwood.

Norah

Norah is Aileen's younger sister, with whom she shares a close but sometimes strained sibling bond.

Father Michel

Father Michel is Aileen's father, a powerful political figure who is deeply disappointed by her affair with Cowperwood.

Mamie Calligan

Mamie Calligan is a servant or companion in the Butler household, with whom Aileen has a casual, everyday relationship.

Norah

Norah is Aileen's younger sister, with whom she shares a close but sometimes strained sibling bond.

Callum Butler

Callum is Aileen's brother, who is protective of her but ultimately powerless against her choices.

The First Great Opportunity

Butler's fifteen-year-old daughter, described as red-cheeked, blue-eyed, and vibrant; briefly encounters Cowperwood at her father's house.

XII

Mentioned as one of Butler's daughters; Cowperwood cautions Lillian not to overlook her.

Chapter XIII

Depicted as a vibrant, sensual eighteen-year-old with raw intelligence and vanity; drawn to Cowperwood's refinement and force, she performs for him and feels overawed in his presence.

Chapter XVII

Now nineteen, dissatisfied with her family's old house and yearning for refinement; increasingly drawn to Frank Cowperwood.

The Dance

Obsessively prepares for the ball, choosing a black sequined gown and applying beauty marks to attract Cowperwood. She is vibrant, self-conscious, and deeply infatuated.

XIX

Aileen is drawn to Cowperwood's spirit, and after a kiss at the piano, she confesses her love, feeling intensely happy and overwhelmed.

The Blossoming of Illicit Love

Aileen's infatuation with Cowperwood intensifies; she yields to her passion despite her religious upbringing, engaging in secret meetings and rationalizing the affair.

XXII

Secretly meets with Cowperwood and desires beautiful surroundings for their meeting place.

Chapter XXIII

Overhears Cowperwood's visit and privately expresses her love and concern for him.

XXVI

Confronted by her father about the affair; she denies it but is not believed, remaining loyal to Cowperwood.

XXIX

Aileen visits Cowperwood, distressed about her father's suspicion of their affair and Cowperwood's financial troubles.

The Double Blow

Implied as the other woman in the anonymous letter; her relationship with Cowperwood is exposed.

XXXIII

Writes to Cowperwood warning him of her father's and the politicians' plans to 'get him'.

XXXIV

Follows Cowperwood's vicissitudes with bias and enthusiasm; she cuts out a reform association report that comforts her.

Butler's Investigation

Avoids her father, still secretly in touch with Cowperwood; declines an invitation to travel to Europe with the Mollenhauers, which her father had secretly arranged.

The Confrontation

Meets Cowperwood at the assignation house, expresses fear of her father's discovery, and passionately declares her love and willingness to sacrifice.

Chapter XXXVII

Defiant and unrepentant after exposure; declares her love for Cowperwood and considers leaving home.

XXXVIII

Determined to stay with Cowperwood despite her father's opposition; plans to run away but delays to visit the Steinmetzes; considers refuge with the Calligans.

The Trial Approaches

Has returned from West Chester to be near Cowperwood during his trial, despite risking conflict with her father.

XLV

Leaves her father's house, moves to the Calligans, and sends word to Cowperwood of her decision.

Chapter XLVI

Has run away from home; her absence drives the confrontation between Butler and Cowperwood.

Chapter XLVII

Her affair with Cowperwood is now widely gossiped about, contributing to Butler's vindictiveness and Cowperwood's social downfall.

Chapter L

Aileen meets Cowperwood secretly in Camden, expressing fierce devotion and determination to visit him in prison.

LII

Present in court, biting her fingers nervously, clenching her hands in rage and disappointment.

LIV

Reads Cowperwood's letter with despair and is eager to visit him despite the peril.

Chapter LV

Visits Cowperwood in his cell, comforts him, and expresses her unwavering love and devotion.

LVI

Visits Frank, gives money to Bonhag, and expresses unwavering belief in his future success; contrasts with Lillian's attitude.

LVII

Openly hostile to her father after Cowperwood's imprisonment; her affair becomes known to her brothers.

LVIII

Cowperwood thinks of her upon release; he plans to see her and discuss their future.

LIX

Marries Cowperwood after his divorce and accompanies him to Chicago, ending her relationship with Philadelphia.

The Magic Crystal

Addressed with a more pathetic promise of hope and failure, locked out of brilliant society and love that eludes her.