# Charles Cressler — The Pit character guide

> Charles Cressler in The Pit by Frank Norris.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Charlie, Charlie Cressler, Cressler, old Charlie

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Cressler, a young man about town.

## In the story

### [Principal Characters in the Novel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/principal-characters-in-the-novel)

Introduced as a dealer in grain.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/ii)

Mr. Cressler, who is skeptical of Jadwin's interest in Laura and dislikes Corthell.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/iii)

Cressler is referenced as having earlier laughed at the idea of cornering wheat, influencing Jadwin's initial thoughts.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/iv)

Cressler delivers a fervent monologue against speculation, describing its destructive effects on young men and its impact on farmers and European peasants.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as warning about the risk of Jadwin losing money if he is speculating.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/viii)

Observes the market with worry; feeds pigeons before trading and is approached by C. H. Crookes, who criticizes the 'Unknown Bull.'

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/ix)

Cressler is reportedly sick and growing thinner, not going to his business, causing concern for his wife. Jadwin and Laura discuss visiting him.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/x)

His suicide is recalled by Laura, highlighting the human cost of speculation.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/conclusion)

His suicide is recalled as a direct consequence of the wheat corner's collapse.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/charles_cressler
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters