The Titan · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Frank A. Cowperwood
major
Also known as Frank, Cowperwood, Mr. Cowperwood, Frank Algernon Cowperwood, F. A. Cowperwood
Cowperwood moves through Chicago as a rising operator—buying gas franchises, courting society through Aileen's new house, and studying the art collections of wealthier men with the same calculation he brings to street-railways. His charm is genuine but his fidelity is theatrical; he lies blandly to Aileen while keeping bachelor quarters downtown for other women. What makes him compelling is that his ambition and his appetites are inseparable, and the early-middle arc watches both begin to strain against the respectable surface he is building.
Aileen Cowperwood
major
Also known as Aileen Butler, Aileen, Mrs. Cowperwood, Mrs. Frank Algernon Cowperwood
Aileen has spent years as Cowperwood's partner in ambition, but in Chicago she feels the ground shifting: he strays, she knows it, and she studies her own mirror for the flaw that explains it. Her fury is not passive—she hunts down Rita Sohlberg and beats her in her own hallway, a scene that turns her private grief into public scandal. Her pride, her sensuality, and her refusal to be quietly replaced make her the emotional engine of the novel's middle stretch.
Berenice Fleming
major
Also known as Berenice, Miss Fleming, Miss Berenice Fleming, Mrs. Fleming Berenice Fleming
Berenice—Bevy—has been made persona non grata by her mother's reputation, yet she carries herself as though the world's opinion were a minor inconvenience. Suitors like Bowdoin and Marcado fall away once whispers reach them, and she watches each retreat with disdainful clarity, knowing the drawing-rooms are simply marriage markets. Her cool self-possession and refusal to be diminished set her apart from the women Cowperwood has known, and the novel's later arc turns on what that difference will mean.
Stephanie Platow
supporting
Also known as Stephanie, Platow
Stephanie moves in the Garrick Players' orbit, all soulfulness and dramatic ambition, and Cowperwood is drawn to her precisely because she resists his usual methods. He learns she is not the innocent he assumed, and her calm, inconsequential confession of a past affair both shocks and fascinates him. Her ingrained irresponsibility and artistic vagueness make her unlike any woman in his orbit, and the affair becomes a study in how little he actually controls the people he desires.
Harold Sohlberg
minor
Also known as Harold, Cowperwood Harold
Husband of Rita Sohlberg and friend of Cowperwood, involved in social circles.
Rita Sohlberg
supporting
Also known as Sohlberg, Rita
Rita Sohlberg moves through Chicago's receptions in pale blue and lavender, married to Harold and friendly with Aileen—while keeping trysts with Cowperwood under an assumed name on the North Side. When Aileen corners her, the confrontation turns physical, and Rita is left bruised and terrified while Cowperwood coolly coaches her to deny everything. Her plight exposes both the brutality beneath the social surface and the way Cowperwood's affairs leave the women around him to absorb the damage.
Polk Lynde
supporting
Also known as Polk, Lynde, Mr. Lynde
Lynde is the kind of man who loses fifteen thousand in a night and wins twenty-five the next, all with the same easy smile, and he fixes his hard, meaning glances on Aileen across the gambling tables. He leans over her powdered shoulders, stakes her money, and treats her with the cool, plunging confidence she once admired in Frank. For Aileen, he represents both temptation and retaliation—a way to answer Cowperwood's neglect—and his presence sharpens the marital fracture at the center of the story.
Patrick Gilgan
supporting
Also known as Mr. Patrick Gilgan, Patrick Gilgan, Mr. Gilgan, Gilgan, Patrick, Pat
Gilgan belongs to the gritty machine politics of South Clark Street, where saloons, gambling dens, and a pliable city council form the real government of the wards. He has spent years beating back the McKenty opposition in his district, and he knows exactly how much a man like Cowperwood needs friends who can deliver votes. His value lies in that transactional loyalty: he can open doors for the rising financier, but he also keeps a ledger of favors owed, and the story's middle stretch turns on whether such a man can be kept bought.
Norman Schryhart
supporting
Also known as Schryhart, Mr. Norman Schryhart, Mr. Schryhart, Norman Schryhart
Schryhart is broad-shouldered, black-eyed, and used to ruling any enterprise he enters; he prefers to own the table rather than share it. When he summons Cowperwood to discuss combining the old gas companies, he assumes the younger man will fall in line, but Cowperwood's bland refusal to be patronized exposes the rivalry that will define Chicago finance. His wealth, his paper, and his pride make him the natural leader of the old-money faction that treats the interloper as a threat to be broken.
Ira George Carter
minor
Also known as George, Mrs. Ira George Carter, Mrs. Carter, Ira George Carter, the Carter
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in various financial ventures.
Addison Cowperwood
supporting
Also known as Mr. Cowperwood, Addison, Mr. Addison, Mr. Addison Cowperwood
Addison is the weaker of the two brothers yet forceful in his own way, a man who has spent fifty years in banking and knows how many respected Chicago fortunes began in murkier waters. When Frank volunteers the story of his embezzlement conviction and divorce, Addison is moved less by pity than by the drama of a man climbing back from the mire. His decision to extend the courtesies of his bank and house gives Frank the foothold he needs in Chicago, making Addison the quiet enabler of everything that follows.
Antoinette Nowak
minor
Also known as Miss Antoinette Nowak, Antoinette, Miss Nowak
Young woman who becomes involved with Cowperwood briefly as a romantic interest.
Hosmer Hand
supporting
Also known as Hand, Mr. Hand, Mrs. Hosmer Hand, old Hand, Hosmer
Hand is a man of few experiences with women, and his young wife's affair with Cowperwood astonishes and enrages him precisely because he had been so fond of her. His standing as a director in the city's principal financial institutions gives him the power to do real harm, and his personal grievance fuses with the business community's growing suspicion of the interloper. He becomes the emotional engine of the campaign against Cowperwood, a reminder that in Chicago's financial world a wounded husband and a doubtful credit can be the same weapon.
Judah Addison
supporting
Also known as Mr. Judah Addison, Mr. Addison, Judah Addison, Addison, Judah
Addison moves through the city's private collections, clubs, and drawing rooms as a strong, polite, remote man who understands the value of social sponsorship. By backing Cowperwood for club membership and lending his name to the Michigan Avenue housewarming, he helps convert new money into something the old families will at least tolerate. His support is the thin social scaffolding on which the Cowperwoods' Chicago respectability rests, and its limits measure how far the city will let an outsider climb.
Timothy Arneel
supporting
Also known as Arneel, Mr. Arneel, Timothy Arneel, Mr. Timothy Arneel
Arneel speaks in a low, husky voice with the unconscious arrogance of a man who has never needed to explain where his information comes from. As chairman of the gathering called to save American Match, he lays out the ten million dollars of exposure and names Cowperwood as the cause of the crisis with the calm of someone accustomed to settling matters. He represents the old guard's collective judgment, the moment when private grievance hardens into organized financial retaliation.
Chaffee Thayer Sluss
supporting
Also known as Mr. Sluss, Sluss, Mr. Chaffee Thayer Sluss, Chaffee Thayer Sluss, Thayer Sluss
Raised on a harness wholesaler's fortune and married into a pickle manufacturer's family, Sluss preens as an essentially honest man while quietly eyeing plump blondes. His smug certainty that Providence protects his prospects makes him both predictable and purchasable — if Cowperwood's men can find the right lever. As the new mayor whose signature on the elevated-road ordinances will decide the franchise war, he is the pivot on which the entire Chicago campaign turns.
Michael Tiernan
supporting
Also known as Mr. Tiernan, Tiernan, Smiling Mike Tiernan, Mike, Mikey
From ditch-digging to a city council seat, Tiernan has parlayed The Silver Moon and its gambling and prostitution revenues into a ward machine that Cowperwood and McKenty must either buy or break. He has always managed to down the McKenty opposition in his ward, which makes him a dangerous loose end in the coming franchise fight. His genial bulk and casual corruption embody the sordid machinery on which Chicago's grand financial schemes quietly depend.
Peter Laughlin
supporting
Also known as Old Laughlin, old Peter Laughlin, Laughlin, Peter Laughlin, Peter
Cowperwood annexed old Laughlin the way a surgeon selects a special knife — useful, obedient, and destined to be no more than a tool in stronger hands. Naive and strange yet canny enough to hustle, Laughlin lends his firm's name so Cowperwood can stay inconspicuous while plotting his first coups. His willing subordination shows how completely Cowperwood absorbs other men's experience and turns it into leverage.
Benoni Stackpole
minor
Also known as Mr. Benoni Stackpole, Stackpole, Benoni Stackpole, Mr. Stackpole
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial ventures.
Anson Merrill
supporting
Also known as Mr. Merrill, Merrill, Anson Merrill, Mrs. Merrill, Mrs. Anson Merrill
Merrill belongs to the settled commercial class whose approval Cowperwood both covets and disdains, and whose wife's social verdicts help police Chicago's drawing rooms. His presence sharpens the novel's central tension: Cowperwood can buy franchises and politicians, but not the effortless acceptance that men like Merrill inherit. As the social world Aileen longs to enter, Merrill and his circle become the invisible standard against which Cowperwood's raw power is measured.
Lieutenant Braxmar
minor
Also known as Braxmar, the Lieutenant, Mr. Braxmar, Lawrence Braxmar, Lawrence
Military officer and suitor of Berenice Fleming before Cowperwood.
Governor Swanson
minor
Also known as Swanson, Governor, ex-Governor Swanson
State governor involved in political dealings with Cowperwood.
Haguenin
minor
Also known as Haguenin, Mr. Haguenin, Augustus M. Haguenin
French businessman and associate of Cowperwood in international dealings.
Henry De Soto Sippens
minor
Also known as Mr. Sippens, Sippens, De Soto Sippens, Henry De Soto Sippens
Energetic young businessman who works for Cowperwood's street railway interests.
Bevy Fleming
minor
Also known as Bevy, Bevy Fleming, Fleming
Younger sister of Berenice Fleming, part of the Fleming family.
Kent Barrows McKibben
minor
Also known as Kent McKibben, McKibben, Mr. McKibben, Kent Barrows McKibben, the Hon. Kent Barrows McKibben
Politician and associate of Cowperwood in legislative matters.
Forbes Gurney
minor
Also known as Forbes Gurney, Gurney, Forbes, Mr. Gurney
Friend and social companion of Cowperwood in Chicago.
Cecily Haguenin
minor
Also known as Cecily Haguenin, Cecily, Haguenin
Daughter of Haguenin, a young woman in Parisian society.
Young Kaffrath
minor
Also known as Kaffrath, young Kaffrath, Mr. Edwin Kaffrath, Edwin Kaffrath
Young businessman involved in Cowperwood's financial operations.
Mr. Kennedy
minor
Also known as Mr. Kennedy, Kennedy, young Kennedy, Francis Kennedy, Francis, Frank
Young businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Truman Leslie MacDonald
minor
Also known as Mr. MacDonald, young MacDonald, MacDonald, Truman Leslie MacDonald, Leslie
Young businessman and son of old General MacDonald, involved in politics.
Haeckelheimer
minor
Also known as Mr. Haeckelheimer, Haeckelheimer, Joseph Haeckelheimer
German-American financier and business associate of Cowperwood.
Harper Steger
minor
Also known as Mr. Steger, Steger, Mr. Harper Steger, Harper Steger
Lawyer and legal advisor to Frank Cowperwood.
Gotloeb
minor
Also known as Gotloeb, Mr. Gotloeb
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial matters.
Gardner Knowles
minor
Also known as Gardner Knowles, Knowles, Mr. Gardner Knowles, Mr. Knowles
Architect who designs Cowperwood's Chicago mansion.
Lane Cross
minor
Also known as Lane Cross, Cross
Artist and friend of Stephanie Platow, involved in her circle.
Hattie Starr
minor
Also known as Hattie Starr, Hattie
Young woman who becomes involved with Cowperwood as a mistress.
John J. McKenty
supporting
Also known as J. McKenty, John, John J. McKenty, McKenty, John McKenty
McKenty commands the political machinery that Cowperwood needs and cannot build alone, trading influence for a share of the coming street-railway spoils. Even entrenched operators like Tiernan have always managed to down the McKenty opposition in their wards, which shows both his reach and its limits. His alliance with Cowperwood is the engine of the Chicago campaign — and the relationship most likely to curdle when interests diverge.
Claudia Carlstadt
minor
Also known as Claudia Carlstadt, Claudia
Young woman briefly involved with Cowperwood in New York.
Mrs. Fredericka Batjer
minor
Also known as Mrs. Fredericka Batjer, Mrs. Batjer
Woman who manages a boarding house where Cowperwood stays.
Judge Nahum Dickensheets
minor
Also known as Judge Dickensheets, Judge Nahum Dickensheets, Dickensheets, the Hon. Nahum Dickensheets
Judge involved in legal proceedings concerning Cowperwood.
Mr. Rambaud
minor
Also known as a Mr. Rambaud, Mr. Rambaud, Rambaud, Alexander Rambaud
French businessman and associate of Cowperwood in international finance.
Albert Thorsen
minor
Also known as Albert Thorsen, Thorsen, Albert, Mr. Albert Thorsen
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial ventures.
Norrie Simms
minor
Also known as Mr. Simms, Simms, Mr. Norrie Simms, Norrie Simms, Mrs. Norrie Simms
Wealthy socialite and rival of Cowperwood in Chicago society.
Fishel
minor
Also known as Fishel, Mr. Fishel
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial ventures.
Taylor Lord
minor
Also known as Taylor Lord
Young man who courts Berenice Fleming briefly.
General Van Sickle
minor
Also known as Van Sickle, old General Van Sickle, General Van Sickle, Judson P. Van Sickle
Old military figure and political associate of Cowperwood.
Rolfe Carter
minor
Also known as Rolfe Carter, Rolfe
Son of Ira George Carter, involved in business with Cowperwood.
Beales Chadsey
minor
Also known as Mr. Beales Chadsey, Chadsey, Beales Chadsey
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Lillian Cowperwood
minor
Also known as Mrs. Lillian Cowperwood, Cowperwood, Lillian
Frank's first wife, mother of his children, from whom he is divorced.
Kilmer Duelma
minor
Also known as Kilmer Duelma, Kilmer, Duelma
Tall young man who courts Berenice Fleming briefly.
Mrs. Sohlberg
minor
Also known as Mrs. Sohlberg, Sohlberg
Mother of Harold Sohlberg, a socialite in Chicago high society.
Mrs. Addison
minor
Also known as Mrs. Addison, Mr. and Mrs. Addison
Wife of Judah Addison, a socialite in Cowperwood's circle.
Mrs. Brandon
minor
Also known as Mrs. Brandon
Woman who had a brief romantic involvement with Cowperwood.
Redmond Purdy
minor
Also known as Redmond Purdy, Purdy, Mr. Purdy, Mr. Redmond Purdy
Businessman and political figure involved in Chicago gas deals.
Florence Cochrane
minor
Also known as Florence Cochrane
Socialite and friend of Aileen Cowperwood in Chicago society.
Simon Pinski
minor
Also known as Mr. Simon Pinski, Pinski, Alderman Pinski
Jewish alderman and politician in Chicago, ally of Cowperwood.
Mrs. McKenty
minor
Also known as Mrs. McKenty, McKenty
Wife of political boss John J. McKenty, a social figure.
Phineas Hull
minor
Also known as Mr. Phineas Hull, Phineas Hull, Mr. Hull, Hull
Business partner of Stackpole, involved in Cowperwood's ventures.
William Drake Bowdoin
minor
Also known as William Drake Bowdoin, Bowdoin, Billy, Mr. Bowdoin
Young socialite and friend of Cowperwood in New York.
Walter Melville Hyssop
minor
Also known as Hyssop, the Hon. Walter Melville Hyssop, Walter Melville Hyssop, Wally
Politician and associate of Cowperwood in legislative matters.
Horton Biggers
minor
Also known as Horton Biggers, Biggers, Mr. Horton Biggers
Cautious businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Joel Avery
minor
Also known as Mr. Avery, Joel Avery, Avery, the Hon. Joel Avery
Resourceful lawyer and political fixer for Cowperwood.
Senator George Christian
minor
Also known as Senator George Christian, Christian, Greenough
State senator involved in political dealings with Cowperwood.
Clifford Du Bois
minor
Also known as Du Bois, Mr. Clifford Du Bois, Clifford Du Bois, Mr. Du Bois
Journalist and friend of Cowperwood, involved in public relations.
Anton Videra
minor
Also known as Anton Videra, Videra
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in street railway deals.
Carker
minor
Also known as Carker, Mr. Carker
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial matters.
Mrs. Platow
minor
Also known as Mrs. Platow
Mother of Stephanie Platow, a protective figure in her daughter's life.
Senator John H. Southack
minor
Also known as Senator John H. Southack, Southack, John, Senator Southack, Mr. Southack
State senator involved in political dealings with Cowperwood.
Ricketts
minor
Also known as Ricketts, Mr. Ricketts
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Ungerich
minor
Also known as Ungerich, Mr. Ungerich
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood in financial matters.
Jordan Jules
minor
Also known as Mr. Jordan Jules, Jules, Jordan Jules
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Schlumbohm
minor
Also known as Schlumbohm, Alderman Schlumbohm
Alderman and political figure in Chicago.
Morgan Frankhauser
minor
Also known as Mr. Morgan Frankhauser, Frankhauser, Mr. Frankhauser
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Jennie
minor
Also known as Jennie
Servant in the Cowperwood household.
Samuel Blackman
minor
Also known as Mr. Samuel Blackman, Blackman, Samuel Blackman, Mr. Blackman
Businessman and associate of Cowperwood.
Rhees Grier
minor
Also known as Rhees Grier, Mrs. Rhees Grier, Mrs. Grier, Grier
Socialite and friend of Aileen Cowperwood.
Charlie Wallin
minor
Also known as Charlie Wallin, Wallin
Young man involved in Chicago social circles.
Burton Stimson
minor
Also known as Burton Stimson, Stimson, Mr. Burton Stimson, Mr. Stimson
Lawyer and associate of Cowperwood in legal matters.
Old General MacDonald
minor
Also known as Old General MacDonald, old General MacDonald, MacDonald
Aged political figure and father of Truman Leslie MacDonald.
