# Harper Steger — The Financier character guide

> Harper Steger in The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Steger, Mr. Steger, Harper

**First appearance:** 0013-xiv

## Snapshot

Cowperwood's elegant, feline defense attorney, who calculates legal risk with the same cool detachment he brings to every human relationship.

## Who they are

Steger moves through Philadelphia's courtrooms and private offices with perfect manners and no illusions, drawn to Cowperwood as the most fascinating client he has ever served. He is subtle, indifferently cruel, and motivated less by loyalty than by the conviction that proximity to genius will make him richer and more conspicuous. As the legal net tightens, his counsel becomes the thin line between Cowperwood's freedom and the penitentiary.

## In the story

### [The Financier's Domestic and Financial Expansion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/x)

Cowperwood's lawyer; Frank visits his home socially.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxix)

Steger, Cowperwood's lawyer, accompanies him to appeal to Stener and offers legal advice.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxxi)

Cowperwood's lawyer, who advises on legal strategies and the risks of a trial.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Cowperwood's lawyer; arranges for his client to appear before a warrant can be served and secures bail.

### [The Trial Approaches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxxix)

Cowperwood's lawyer, optimistic about winning the case or reversing a conviction on appeal.

### [The Trial Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xl)

Cowperwood's lawyer, looking shrewd and canny, challenges jurors and moves to quash the indictment.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xli)

Cowperwood's defense attorney, objects frequently to Shannon's questioning and engages in bitter wrangles with the prosecution.

### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xlii)

Cowperwood's defense attorney, who presents the case that Cowperwood is a victim of circumstances and cross-examines witnesses to highlight favorable points.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xliii)

Cowperwood's defense attorney, who addresses the jury first, arguing that Cowperwood was a legitimate agent and a political scapegoat.

### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xliv)

Arranges Cowperwood's comfortable treatment in jail, confers with Sheriff Jaspers, and promises an appeal with a certificate of reasonable doubt.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xlv)

Cowperwood's lawyer, who arranges for him to see business visitors and handles legal proceedings.

### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xlvii)

Cowperwood's lawyer, constantly with him in court as they navigate bankruptcy petitions and legal proceedings.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xlviii)

Argues Cowperwood's appeal before the Supreme Court and advises on further legal options.

### [Chapter XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xlix)

Negotiates with Sheriff Jaspers to arrange a delayed surrender for Cowperwood until Monday morning.

### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/l)

Steger brings news about the sheriff's delay and handles legal matters for Cowperwood.

### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/lii)

Cowperwood's lawyer, makes a final plea for leniency, arguing Cowperwood's innocence and financial ability.

### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/lvii)

Works on Cowperwood's pardon; refuses further payment from Cowperwood.

### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/lviii)

Arranges the surprise pardon and accompanies Cowperwood upon his release.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/characters/harper_steger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/characters