The Financier · Character

George W. Stener

A stodgy, well-liked city treasurer with no ideas of his own, he becomes the pliable cog through which bigger men—and Cowperwood—move public money.

supporting

Also known as Stener, Mr. Stener, Treasurer Stener, George

First appearance: iii

As a supporting figure in The Financier, George W. Stener is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Stener, the new city treasurer, is depicted as a weak, mediocre man manipulated by political bosses.

In the storyXIVOpen this moment free

See George W. Stener in XIV Book page

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Stener is a real-estate and insurance man of no particular gifts who is elevated to city treasurer because he is faithful, useful for drumming up votes, and utterly without ambition of his own. He is not a bad fellow; he is simply weak, a puppet in the hands of Butler, Mollenhauer, and Simpson, and it is precisely this weakness that makes him valuable to Cowperwood. Their partnership, built on Stener's willingness to sign what he does not fully understand, is the hinge on which the novel's central financial crime turns.

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See George W. Stener in iii

Character Web

51 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Cowperwood's inner circle
Extended cast and background figures
Minor family and clerks

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

George W. Stener appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XIV
Stener, the new city treasurer, is depicted as a weak, mediocre man manipulated by political bosses. He seeks Cowperwood's help to sell a city loan, relying on him for financial guidance.
The Plan and the New Houses
City treasurer who agrees to Cowperwood's scheme to use city loan certificates for market manipulation and speculation.
Chapter XVI
City treasurer who sets over city loan certificates to Cowperwood, netting a personal profit of $2,000. He is easily swayed and conspires with Strobik to use Cowperwood for street-railway schemes.
Chapter XXI
Stener, now wealthy and well-dressed, visits Cowperwood to discuss the North Pennsylvania deal and is persuaded to consider future exclusive partnerships with Cowperwood.
XXII
City treasurer who deposits nearly half a million dollars with Cowperwood and partners with him in purchasing the Seventeenth and Nineteenth Street line.
Chapter XXIII
Absent from Philadelphia, out duck hunting; Cowperwood sends urgent wires for his return.
Chapter XXIV
Stener is revealed to have loaned Cowperwood $500,000 of city money, making him a pawn in Cowperwood's schemes and a liability to the Republican party.
XXV
Torn between fear of Mollenhauer and loyalty to Cowperwood; ultimately refuses the loan, leading to Cowperwood's impending failure.
The Fall of Stener
Panicked city treasurer who begs Mollenhauer for help, offering all his assets to avoid jail.
XXVIII
Worried and distraught; refuses Cowperwood's request under pressure from Mollenhauer and others; pleads for return of $500,000; shows complete collapse of nerve.
XXXI
City treasurer whose involvement in the loan scheme is a key issue.
XXXII
Implicated alongside Cowperwood in the treasury shortfall; Mollenhauer reports Stener's refusal to lend more funds and Cowperwood's subsequent unauthorized action.
XXXIV
Depicted with a grayish-white face and blue lips; his guilt is considered undeniable.
The Trial Begins
Present as a witness, pale and thin, without malice toward Cowperwood. He still hopes for political intervention.
XLI
Key prosecution witness, testifies about his dealings with Cowperwood and the $60,000 check, appearing pale and nervous.
Chapter XLII
Referenced as the ex-city treasurer and former associate of Cowperwood, who turned against him during the financial crisis. His testimony is contrasted with Cowperwood's account.
XLIII
City treasurer and key witness, portrayed by the defense as an inexperienced man used by political forces, and by the prosecution as a victim of Cowperwood's manipulation.
Chapter XLVII
Persuaded by political friends to plead not guilty, he is convicted and awaits the Supreme Court appeal alongside Cowperwood.
LII
Sentenced to 4 years and 9 months for misapplication of public money.
LIII
Mentioned by Cowperwood as likely undergoing the same prison process; Cowperwood reflects on Stener's foolishness and his own different fate.
LIV
Receives special treatment in prison due to political connections; contrasted with Cowperwood's harsher conditions.
Chapter LV
Mentioned as receiving liberal treatment and visits from political friends, which motivates Bonhag to seek similar favors for Cowperwood.
LVII
Also pardoned after thirteen months; realizes his political and social career is over.
LVIII
Mentioned in the context of his modified life in prison, contrasted with Cowperwood's experience.

Chapter companion notes

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See George W. Stener in iii

See George W. Stener in XIV