The New Freedom · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The New Freedom by Woodrow Wilson.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Mr. Roosevelt
supporting
Also known as Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt stands in this book as Wilson's most formidable rival for the direction of reform: a man whose platform promises uplift, publicity, and a commission to discipline the trusts, and whose personal magnetism makes the promise feel like action. Wilson's objection is not to the goals but to the mechanics — he insists that regulation by executive commission quietly accepts monopoly as permanent and asks the trusts to grant as pity what citizens should take as justice. That quarrel over who actually governs defines the argument Wilson is building.
Mr. Carnegie
minor
Also known as Andrew Carnegie
Industrialist and philanthropist used as an example of wealth and monopoly.
Mr. McKinley
minor
Also known as McKinley, William McKinley
Former president whose tariff policies are criticized in the book.
Mr. Aldrich
minor
Senator and symbol of special interests and protective tariffs.
Jefferson
minor
Also known as Mr. Jefferson
Founding father invoked as a champion of democracy and liberty.
Lincoln
minor
Also known as the great Lincoln
President Lincoln referenced as a moral and political touchstone.
Tom
minor
A common man used in illustrative examples about economic opportunity.
Alice
minor
A woman mentioned in a hypothetical scenario about tariffs and prices.
Pat
minor
An Irish-American worker used as an example in labor discussions.
Jack
minor
A generic name used in illustrative anecdotes about business.
Mr. U'Ren
minor
Reform advocate mentioned in context of direct democracy efforts.
