# Frank A. Cowperwood — The Titan character guide > Frank A. Cowperwood in The Titan by Theodore Dreiser. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Frank, Cowperwood, Mr. Cowperwood, Frank Algernon Cowperwood, F. A. Cowperwood **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-new-city ## Snapshot A financier of boundless appetite, he builds fortunes and franchises in Chicago while quietly collecting mistresses, pictures, and enemies with the same methodical calm. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [The New City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/i-the-new-city) Emerges from prison, decides to leave Philadelphia, and travels to Chicago to seek new business opportunities. ### [A Reconnoiter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/ii-a-reconnoiter) Arrives in Chicago to assess investment opportunities; impresses Judah Addison with his demeanor and financial acumen; conceals his prison record and marital plans. ### [A Chicago Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/iii-a-chicago-evening) Confides in Addison about his past, decides to settle in Chicago, and drives Aileen through the city's wealthy districts, promising her a grand future. ### [Peter Laughlin & Co.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/iv-peter-laughlin-co) Seeks a Chicago partner and shrewdly selects Peter Laughlin for his local knowledge; negotiates a 51% stake in the new firm. ### [Concerning a Wife and Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/v-concerning-a-wife-and-family) Resolves to rule alone after prison; partners with Peter Laughlin as a tool; secures divorce from Lillian to marry Aileen. ### [The New Queen of the Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/vi-the-new-queen-of-the-home) Marries Aileen and moves to Chicago; plans their social strategy and hosts a dinner to introduce Aileen to key contacts. ### [VII: Chicago Gas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/vii-chicago-gas) Plans to consolidate Chicago's gas companies; recruits Judah Addison as investor and Henry De Soto Sippens as practical gas man. ### [Now This Is Fighting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/viii-now-this-is-fighting) Orchestrates the suburban gas franchise scheme, hiring multiple lawyers and dummy presidents to keep his involvement hidden. ### [In Search of Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/ix-in-search-of-victory) Shows genuine affection for Aileen, invests heavily in gas franchises, and begins building an art collection. He is pragmatic about their social standing in Chicago. ### [A Test](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/x-a-test) Hosts the opening of the Michigan Avenue house, using his wealth and magnetism to advance socially, while holding a private levee of men. ### [The Fruits of Daring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xi-the-fruits-of-daring) Under legal attack for conspiracy in the gas franchise scheme; maintains public denial of involvement; dismisses Schryhart's overture. ### [A New Retainer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xii-a-new-retainer) Seeks a meeting with McKenty to gain support for a gas franchise, presenting himself as a promoter and guardian of gas companies. ### [XIII: The Die Is Cast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xiii-the-die-is-cast) Recognizes the social ostracism and tries to console Aileen; is warned by Addison about club members trying to drive him out; remains defiant. ### [Undercurrents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xiv-undercurrents) Reflects on social isolation and the growing divide between himself and Aileen; begins to pursue other women. ### [XV: A New Affection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xv-a-new-affection) Actively pursues Rita Sohlberg, using Aileen's friendship with the Sohlbergs as a pretext; sends expensive roses and arranges a secret meeting. ### [A Fateful Interlude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xvi-a-fateful-interlude) Deepens his affair with Mrs. Sohlberg and begins a new relationship with his secretary Antoinette Nowak, showing his relentless pursuit of romantic and artistic fulfillment. ### [An Overture to Conflict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xvii-an-overture-to-conflict) Grows remote and mechanically attentive as his clandestine affairs drift; tries to conceal his altered mood from Aileen. ### [XVIII: The Clash](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xviii-the-clash) Carries on affairs with Antoinette Nowak and Rita Sohlberg; Aileen stamps on his picture. ### [XIX: “Hell Hath No Fury—”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xix-hell-hath-no-fury) Intervenes in the attack, comforts Rita, then tries to soothe Aileen but makes a damaging remark about her past; pursues Aileen when she runs away. ### [Man and Superman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xx-man-and-superman) Confronts Harold Sohlberg at the sanitarium, first denying then admitting the affair, and uses a combination of bribery and intimidation to secure Sohlberg's silence. ### [A Matter of Tunnels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxi-a-matter-of-tunnels) Resolves the Sohlberg affair, turns attention to street-railway ambitions, explores the abandoned tunnels, and considers cable-car technology. ### [Street-Railways at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxii-street-railways-at-last) Finalizes the North Chicago Street Railway deal, becoming president of the new company; manipulates directors through Kaffrath and Johnson; attempts to soothe Aileen's hurt feelings. ### [The Power of the Press](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxiii-the-power-of-the-press) Cowperwood strategizes to gain newspaper support for his street-railway plans, reflecting on his ambitions for wealth and power. ### [The Coming of Stephanie Platow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxiv-the-coming-of-stephanie-platow) Continues his financial progress while maintaining a facade of affection for Aileen; his eye wanders toward new interests, including Stephanie Platow. ### [Airs from the Orient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxv-airs-from-the-orient) Grows infatuated with Stephanie Platow, giving her jade jewelry and praising her artistic talents. ### [Love and War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxvi-love-and-war) Deepens his affair with Stephanie Platow while advancing his street-railway schemes in Chicago. ### [XXVII: A Financier Bewitched](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxvii-a-financier-bewitched) Bewitched by Stephanie Platow, he becomes jealous and suspicious of her many male admirers, pleading for her fidelity. ### [XXVIII: The Exposure of Stephanie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxviii-the-exposure-of-stephanie) Confronts Stephanie about her affair with Forbes Gurney, ends their relationship, and hires a detective to investigate her. ### [A Family Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxix-a-family-quarrel) Continues multiple affairs, including with Stephanie Platow, Cecily Haguenin, and Florence Cochrane, causing Aileen distress. ### [Obstacles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxx-obstacles) Orchestrates the demolition of Purdy's building and navigates political opposition to his traction plans. ### [XXXI: Untoward Disclosures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxi-untoward-disclosures) Confronted by Haguenin about his affair with Cecily; remains unrepentant and pragmatic. Also begins an affair with Mrs. Hosmer Hand. ### [Mr. Lynde to the Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxiii-mr-lynde-to-the-rescue) Though absent, his infidelities—especially the rumored affair with Mrs. Hand—drive Aileen's emotional turmoil and her openness to Lynde. ### [Enter Hosmer Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxiv-enter-hosmer-hand) The target of Hand's wrath; his credit and political alliances come under attack as Hand mobilizes opposition. ### [An Election Draws Near](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxvi-an-election-draws-near) Observes the campaign attacks against him with a smile; plans legal and political defenses with McKenty and Addison. ### [XXXVII: Aileen’s Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxvii-aileen-s-revenge) Confronts Aileen about her affair; initially angry but ultimately resigned and sorrowful. ### [An Hour of Defeat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxviii-an-hour-of-defeat) Reflects on Aileen's desertion and the political defeat; plans to conciliate enemies and approaches Gilgan for support. ### [The New Administration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxix-the-new-administration) Indirectly involved; his agents bribe aldermen to oppose anti-Cowperwood measures, though he knows nothing of the Claudia Carlstadt plot. ### [A Trip to Louisville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xl-a-trip-to-louisville) Travels to Louisville seeking loans; meets Hattie Starr and becomes fascinated by her daughter Berenice Fleming. ### [XLI: The Daughter of Mrs. Fleming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xli-the-daughter-of-mrs-fleming) Visits New York with Mrs. Carter to meet Berenice; is immediately struck by her beauty and personality; makes a poetic remark about daisy chains and Cytherea. ### [F. A. Cowperwood, Guardian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlii-f-a-cowperwood-guardian) Visits Forest Edge, observes Berenice with growing fascination, feels his age at the dance. ### [XLIII: The Planet Mars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xliii-the-planet-mars) Plans elevated railway expansion; considers funding a giant telescope to enhance his public reputation and financial standing. ### [A Franchise Obtained](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xliv-a-franchise-obtained) Orchestrates the blackmail of Mayor Sluss to secure the elevated road franchise. ### [XLV: Changing Horizons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlv-changing-horizons) Reflects on his wealth, social standing, and plans for a New York mansion; his thoughts increasingly turn to Berenice Fleming. ### [XLVI: Depths and Heights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlvi-depths-and-heights) Reflects on his sentimental affairs and becomes increasingly fascinated by Berenice Fleming. ### [American Match](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlvii-american-match) Continues to expand his elevated railway empire, manipulates stocks, and builds a cash reserve. Suspects a plot by his enemies and declines to bail out American Match. ### [XLVIII: Panic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlviii-panic) Implied to have profited from the American Match collapse by selling stock through agents, incurring the enmity of the quadrumvirate. ### [Mount Olympus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlix-mount-olympus) Summoned to the meeting, Cowperwood defiantly threatens the assembled financiers, refusing to be their scapegoat and warning of panic if his loans are called. ### [A New York Mansion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/l-a-new-york-mansion) Reflects on his unfulfilled ambition at age fifty-seven; plans a palatial New York mansion and gallery; triumphs over Chicago rivals in the American Match crisis; worries about political threats to his franchises. ### [The Revival of Hattie Starr](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/li-the-revival-of-hattie-starr) Financially supports Berenice and Mrs. Carter; intervenes to eject the drunken intruder. ### [Behind the Arras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lii-behind-the-arras) Revealed as the secret benefactor of the Flemings; advises Mrs. Carter to brazen out the scandal; privately sees the incident as a windfall to scare away Braxmar. ### [LIII: A Declaration of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/liii-a-declaration-of-love) Visits Berenice in Pocono and confesses his long-standing love and secret financial support. ### [Wanted—Fifty-Year Franchises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/liv-wanted-fifty-year-franchises) Reflects on his love for Berenice and plans franchise extensions and consolidation of his traction companies. ### [Cowperwood and the Governor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lv-cowperwood-and-the-governor) Attempts to bribe Governor Swanson with $300,000 to secure a franchise bill; remains determined and genial despite defeat. ### [LVI: The Ordeal of Berenice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lvi-the-ordeal-of-berenice) Proposes buying a house for Berenice and her mother, confesses his love, and wishes for freedom from Aileen; manipulates the situation through Mrs. Carter. ### [LVII: Aileen’s Last Card](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lvii-aileen-s-last-card) Confronted by Aileen, admits his love for her is dead and asks for a divorce, offering financial settlements. ### [LVIII: A Marauder Upon the Commonwealth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lviii-a-marauder-upon-the-commonwealth) Determined to secure a fifty-year franchise, he works behind the scenes with political and financial allies, vowing to overcome newspaper and public opposition. ### [LIX: Capital and Public Rights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lix-capital-and-public-rights) Central figure in the franchise battle; portrayed as a national and international figure, the target of public outrage and newspaper cartoons. ### [LX: The Net](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lx-the-net) Defends his actions to Berenice, detailing his battles with rivals and his plans for a consolidated transit system; embodies Promethean defiance. ### [LXI: The Cataclysm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lxi-the-cataclysm) Central figure in the franchise battle; uses bribery and political influence to secure votes. ### [LXII: The Recompense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lxii-the-recompense) Sits alone in his library, devastated by the loss of the gas franchise vote, feeling tired and isolated. His mood transforms with Berenice's arrival. ### [In Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/in-retrospect) Reflected upon as a giant whose blazing trail illuminates the terrors and wonders of individuality, yet who remains forever hungry and restless, pursuing wealth and beauty across Europe. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/characters/frank_cowperwood - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/characters