# Peter Laughlin — The Titan character guide

> Peter Laughlin in The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

**Role:** supporting

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

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

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Peter Laughlin & Co.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/v-concerning-a-wife-and-family)

Partner in firm Peter Laughlin & Co.; described as a mere tool in Cowperwood's hands.

### [VII: Chicago Gas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/vii-chicago-gas)

Rejuvenated by Cowperwood's ideas, brings market gossip and follows Cowperwood's trading advice.

### [Now This Is Fighting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/viii-now-this-is-fighting)

Ostensible organizer for the West Side franchise, working with Stimson and Sippens.

### [An Overture to Conflict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xvii-an-overture-to-conflict)

Innocently informs Aileen that Antoinette is out on errands, adding to her suspicion.

## Links

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