The Pit · Chapter
Principal Characters in the Novel explained
This chapter introduces the principal characters of the novel, including Curtis Jadwin, a capitalist and speculator; Sheldon Corthell, an artist; Landry Court, a broker's clerk; Samuel Gretry, a broker; Charles Cressler, a grain dealer; Mrs
What happens
This chapter introduces the principal characters of the novel, including Curtis Jadwin, a capitalist and speculator; Sheldon Corthell, an artist; Landry Court, a broker's clerk; Samuel Gretry, a broker; Charles Cressler, a grain dealer; Mrs. Cressler, his wife; Laura Dearborn, protégé of Mrs. Cressler; Page Dearborn, her sister; and Mrs. Emily Wessels, aunt of Laura and Page.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it reveals the psychological breaking point of Jadwin, who has shift…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingCharacters to notice
- Curtis Jadwin
Introduced as a capitalist and speculator.
- Sheldon Corthell
Introduced as an artist.
- Landry Court
Introduced as a broker's clerk.
- Samuel Gretry
Introduced as a broker.
- Charles Cressler
Introduced as a dealer in grain.
- Mrs. Cressler
Introduced as Charles Cressler's wife.
- Laura Dearborn
Introduced as protégé of Mrs. Cressler.
- Page Dearborn
Introduced as Laura's sister.
- Mrs. Emily Wessels
Introduced as aunt of Laura and Page.
