# Judge Wilbur Payderson — The Financier character guide

> Judge Wilbur Payderson in The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Judge Payderson, Wilbur Payderson, Payderson

**First appearance:** 0035-xxxvi

## Who they are

Presiding judge at Cowperwood's trial.

## In the story

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

The presiding judge, a party loyalist who respects power and is likely to rule against Cowperwood.

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

Presides over the court, clearing minor motions before calling Cowperwood's case.

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

Presides over the trial, threatening both lawyers with contempt for their disorderly conduct.

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

Presides over the verdict, thanks the jury, and grants a stay of sentence pending the appeal.

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

Presided over the original trial; expected to set a date for Cowperwood's sentencing.

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

Delivers the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the need to protect public funds.

## Links

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