# Alexander Harley — There Is Confusion character guide

> Alexander Harley in There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Alexander, Alec, Sandy, Harley, old Harley

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Snapshot

Alexander Harley is a magnetic, physically restless man whose charm and weakness alike make him a compelling rival for Joanna's heart.

## Who they are

Harley moves through the novel's social world with an easy confidence that draws attention wherever he goes, and his fortunes become entangled with Joanna's romantic choices. He is the kind of man whose illnesses hit hard and whose presence unsettles other suitors, a rival whose appeal is as much about vitality and vulnerability as status. His pursuit of Joanna forces her to weigh passion against principle and complicates the future she has imagined for herself.

## Relationships

### [Joanna Marshall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/characters/joanna_marshall)

_professional_

Alexander Harley is a patron and professional contact who helps advance Joanna's career.

### [Joanna Marshall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/characters/joanna_marshall)

_professional_

Alexander Harley is a patron and professional contact who helps advance Joanna's career.

### [Joanna Marshall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/characters/joanna_marshall)

_professional_

Alexander Harley is a patron and professional contact who helps advance Joanna's career.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/ii)

Another brother of Joanna, also mentioned in the context of household chores and sibling interactions.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/vii)

Home from college for Easter vacation, joins in the fun and is noted for his thoughtful gallantry.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxiv)

Vera's former lover, a dentist, whose dark skin led to the end of their romance due to Vera's mother's objections.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxix)

Peter's 'buddy' on the ship; shares his own romantic troubles and advises Peter against marrying Maggie if he doesn't love her.

### [The Inferno of War and Brotherhood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxx)

Peter's fellow soldier who tries to cheer him up and plans to attend a band concert with a French woman.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Has decided to remain in France due to racial bitterness; Vera received a message that he will not return to America.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/characters/alexander_harley
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/there_is_confusion_se/characters