The Pit · Character

Laura Jadwin

Now a wealthy speculator's wife, she finds her old defenses useless against a husband whose vehemence in love mirrors his vehemence in the Pit.

major

Also known as Jadwin, Continually Jadwin, the Laura Jadwin, the other Laura Jadwin, Still Laura

First appearance: ii

As a major figure in The Pit, Laura Jadwin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Laura remains largely unaware of her husband's financial dealings, learning of his near-defeat only later.

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See Laura Jadwin in Chapter VI Book page

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Married and emancipated from her New England horizon, Laura drifts through operas, drives, and a mission-school Easter festival without asking what consequences will follow. Jadwin overwhelms her with the same aggressive persistence he brings to the market, and she never quite decides whether she loves him or merely enjoys being pursued. Her reluctance to look into the future quietly prepares the reckoning that will define the marriage.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Laura Jadwin sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Laura Jadwin in ii

Character Web

31 connections

A slice of how Laura Jadwin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Professional
Friendship
Family
Other

Character groups

Core Social Circle
Protagonist

+26 more in the full Character Web

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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.

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Relationships

Laura Dearborn
psychological · ambivalent
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict… How this plays out →
Samuel Gretry
professional · neutral
Landry Court
friendship · positive
Page Dearborn
family · positive
Hargus
professional · neutral
Mrs. Cressler
friendship · positive
Laura Dearborn
psychological · ambivalent
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict… How this plays out →
Laura Dearborn
psychological · ambivalent
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict… How this plays out →
Samuel Gretry
professional · neutral
Landry Court
friendship · positive
Samuel Gretry
professional · neutral
Page Dearborn
family · positive

Laura Dearborn
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict and transformation from a naive girl to a wealthy but disillusioned woman.
Samuel Gretry
Samuel Gretry is a business associate of Curtis Jadwin, and Laura interacts with him primarily in the context of her husband's financial world.
Landry Court
After Laura's marriage, Landry Court remains a loyal friend to Laura Jadwin, though their earlier romantic feelings linger beneath the surface.
Page Dearborn
As sisters, Laura Jadwin and Page Dearborn maintain a loving bond, though Laura's marriage and Page's eventual marriage to Landry Court create some distance.
Hargus
Hargus is a servant in the Jadwin household, and Laura interacts with him in a mistress-servant dynamic.
Mrs. Cressler
Laura Jadwin and Mrs. Cressler remain close friends after Laura's marriage, sharing social events and personal confidences.
Laura Dearborn
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict and transformation from a naive girl to a wealthy but disillusioned woman.
Laura Dearborn
Laura Dearborn and Laura Jadwin are the same person, representing her internal conflict and transformation from a naive girl to a wealthy but disillusioned woman.
Samuel Gretry
Samuel Gretry is a business associate of Curtis Jadwin, and Laura interacts with him primarily in the context of her husband's financial world.
Landry Court
After Laura's marriage, Landry Court remains a loyal friend to Laura Jadwin, though their earlier romantic feelings linger beneath the surface.
Samuel Gretry
Samuel Gretry is a business associate of Curtis Jadwin, and Laura interacts with him primarily in the context of her husband's financial world.
Page Dearborn
As sisters, Laura Jadwin and Page Dearborn maintain a loving bond, though Laura's marriage and Page's eventual marriage to Landry Court create some distance.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Laura Jadwin in ii

In the story

Laura Jadwin appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VI
Laura remains largely unaware of her husband's financial dealings, learning of his near-defeat only later.
Chapter VII
Distressed by her husband's return to speculation; spends evenings alone as Jadwin becomes absorbed in the market.
Chapter VIII
Feels hurt and lonely due to Jadwin's absorption in speculation; she invites Sheldon Corthell to accompany her to the theatre and supper.
Chapter IX
Laura feels isolated and weary despite her wealth, engaging in futile activities like buying books and horses. She pleads with Jadwin to spend her birthday evening with her, desperate for his attention.
Chapter X
Feels neglected by Jadwin's obsession with speculation, argues with Page about her lack of interest in her husband's business, and reflects on Cressler's suicide.
Conclusion
Reflects on the wheat corner's devastation and her husband's role, ultimately choosing to focus on their future together.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Laura Jadwin unlock in the free preview.

See Laura Jadwin in ii

See Laura Jadwin in Chapter VI