# John J. McKenty — The Titan character guide

> John J. McKenty in The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** J. McKenty, John, John J. McKenty, McKenty, John McKenty

**First appearance:** 0003-iv-peter-laughlin-co

## Snapshot

Chicago's Democratic boss, whose ward-level machine and partnership with Cowperwood make him the indispensable fixer behind the city's franchise wars.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [A New Retainer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xii-a-new-retainer)

Powerful political boss who meets with Cowperwood, considering his proposal for a rival gas franchise.

### [Street-Railways at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxii-street-railways-at-last)

Political ally who helps Cowperwood by blocking the North Side company's franchise extensions and stirring up complaints.

### [Love and War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxvi-love-and-war)

Advises Cowperwood to ignore critics and proceed with the tunnel and loop ordinances.

### [An Election Draws Near](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxvi-an-election-draws-near)

Hosts a dinner for Tiernan and Kerrigan, attempting to secure their loyalty; depends on a councilmanic majority.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/characters/john_j_mckenty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/characters