The Titan · Character

Peter Laughlin

A shrewd but pliable older grain man whose name fronts Cowperwood's Chicago commission house while the real brain works invisibly behind him.

supporting

Also known as Old Laughlin, old Peter Laughlin, Laughlin, Peter Laughlin, Peter

First appearance: Peter Laughlin & Co.

As a supporting figure in The Titan, Peter Laughlin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

An aging, uncouth Board of Trade trader with a deep but unorganized knowledge of Chicago finance; lives a solitary life with his spaniel Jennie and agrees to a partnership with…

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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.

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Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Business Partners and Servants
Artistic and Social Connections
Protagonist
Extended Social and Business Network

+8 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

In this passage, the narrative reaches its emotional and psychological peak by elevating Frank Cowperwood to t…

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In the story

Peter Laughlin appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Peter Laughlin & Co.
An aging, uncouth Board of Trade trader with a deep but unorganized knowledge of Chicago finance; lives a solitary life with his spaniel Jennie and agrees to a partnership with Cowperwood.
Concerning a Wife and Family
Partner in firm Peter Laughlin & Co.; described as a mere tool in Cowperwood's hands.
VII: Chicago Gas
Rejuvenated by Cowperwood's ideas, brings market gossip and follows Cowperwood's trading advice.
Now This Is Fighting
Ostensible organizer for the West Side franchise, working with Stimson and Sippens.
An Overture to Conflict
Innocently informs Aileen that Antoinette is out on errands, adding to her suspicion.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Peter Laughlin unlock in the free preview.

See Peter Laughlin in Peter Laughlin & Co.