# Mark Simpson — The Financier character guide

> Mark Simpson in The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Simpson, Senator Simpson, Senator Mark Simpson, Mark

**First appearance:** 0012-xiii

## Who they are

A corrupt state senator allied with Cowperwood's enemies.

## In the story

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xiv)

Simpson, a U.S. Senator, is part of the Big Three political ring that controls Philadelphia, sharing in the plan to bleed the city treasury.

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

Political boss and senator, part of the triumvirate with Mollenhauer and Butler. He is interested in street-railways and knows of Cowperwood's success with city loan.

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

Simpson represents Republican control of the State legislature and is a strong rival of Butler. He is involved in the decision about whether to support Cowperwood.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxv)

Joins Mollenhauer and Butler in discussing Cowperwood's fate; his subtle, cat-like demeanor masks his ruthless political and financial maneuvering.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxviii)

Referenced by Cowperwood as another political figure aligned with Mollenhauer and Butler in the scheme against him.

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

Another political figure Cowperwood might seek help from.

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/xxxii)

Hosts the conference at his Rittenhouse Square home; sees Cowperwood as a useful scapegoat to deflect political damage before the election.

## Links

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