# Laura Jadwin — The Pit character guide

> Laura Jadwin in The Pit by Frank Norris.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0005-ii

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Laura Dearborn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/laura_dearborn)

_psychological_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/samuel_gretry)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/landry_court)

_friendship_

After Laura's marriage, Landry Court remains a loyal friend to Laura Jadwin, though their earlier romantic feelings linger beneath the surface.

### [Page Dearborn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/page_dearborn)

_family_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/hargus)

_professional_

Hargus is a servant in the Jadwin household, and Laura interacts with him in a mistress-servant dynamic.

### [Mrs. Cressler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/mrs_cressler)

_friendship_

Laura Jadwin and Mrs. Cressler remain close friends after Laura's marriage, sharing social events and personal confidences.

### [Laura Dearborn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/laura_dearborn)

_psychological_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/laura_dearborn)

_psychological_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/samuel_gretry)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/landry_court)

_friendship_

After Laura's marriage, Landry Court remains a loyal friend to Laura Jadwin, though their earlier romantic feelings linger beneath the surface.

### [Samuel Gretry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/samuel_gretry)

_professional_

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_pit_se/characters/page_dearborn)

_family_

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.

## In the story

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

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

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

Distressed by her husband's return to speculation; spends evenings alone as Jadwin becomes absorbed in the market.

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

Reflects on the wheat corner's devastation and her husband's role, ultimately choosing to focus on their future together.

## Links

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