The Titan · Character

Rita Sohlberg

An exquisite, socially polished woman and Aileen's friend, she becomes Cowperwood's lover and the target of Aileen's most violent fury.

supporting

Also known as Sohlberg, Rita

First appearance: XV: A New Affection

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

Introduced as a charming, semi-phlegmatic woman married to Harold Sohlberg; her marriage is already strained.

In the storyUndercurrentsOpen this moment free

See Rita Sohlberg in Undercurrents Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

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.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Rita Sohlberg sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Rita Sohlberg in XV: A New Affection

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Artistic and Social Connections
Extended Social and Business Network
Cowperwood's Inner Circle
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Aileen Cowperwood
rivalry · negative
Aileen views Rita as a romantic rival and social threat, resenting her affair with Frank. How this plays out →
Aileen Cowperwood
rivalry · negative
Aileen views Rita as a romantic rival and social threat, resenting her affair with Frank. How this plays out →
Aileen Cowperwood
rivalry · negative
Aileen views Rita as a romantic rival and social threat, resenting her affair with Frank. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Rita Sohlberg in XV: A New Affection

In the story

Rita Sohlberg appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Undercurrents
Introduced as a charming, semi-phlegmatic woman married to Harold Sohlberg; her marriage is already strained.
XV: A New Affection
Struggles with her conscience but is increasingly drawn to Cowperwood; agrees to meet him secretly beyond the Rush Street bridge.
A Fateful Interlude
Cowperwood's mistress who refines his tastes in art and music; she follows him to Europe while Aileen remains ignorant.
An Overture to Conflict
Mentioned as a factor in Cowperwood's emotional drift and Aileen's jealousy, though Aileen is also flirtatiously interested in her husband Harold.
XVIII: The Clash
Cowperwood's lover; Aileen lures her to the house for a confrontation.
XIX: “Hell Hath No Fury—”
Attacked by Aileen, bruised and choked; Frank reassures her and instructs her to deny everything.
Man and Superman
Recovering in the Lake Shore Sanitarium after Aileen's attack; she feels humiliated and wishes to avoid both Sohlberg and Cowperwood.
A Matter of Tunnels
Sickened by the tangle with Aileen, she sees Cowperwood in a different light and leaves for Europe, ending the affair.
XLVI: Depths and Heights
Mentioned as a past affair that Cowperwood cannot assume with Berenice.
LVII: Aileen’s Last Card
Mentioned as a past rival whom Aileen hated, fearing she might have succeeded in ensnaring Cowperwood.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Rita Sohlberg unlock in the free preview.

See Rita Sohlberg in XV: A New Affection

See Rita Sohlberg in Undercurrents