# Manhattan Transfer — Character guide

> Key figures in Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos.

- [Jimmy Herf](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jimmy_herf.md): A wandering journalist and central protagonist navigating New York's chaotic social landscape.
- [Ellen Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ellen_thatcher.md): An ambitious actress and Jimmy's love interest, embodying the city's glittering yet hollow promise.
- [George Baldwin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/george_baldwin.md): A successful lawyer and politician entangled with Ellen and the city's elite.
- [Stan Emery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/stan_emery.md): A wealthy, alcoholic friend of Jimmy who spirals into self-destruction.
- [James Merivale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/james_merivale.md): A war hero and Ellen's first husband, representing old-world propriety.
- [Lily Herf](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/lily_herf.md): Jimmy's mother, a faded Southern belle struggling with poverty and illness.
- [Bud Korpenning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/bud_korpenning.md): A young farmhand who flees to New York after killing his abusive father.
- [Ruth Prynne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ruth_prynne.md): A naive young woman from upstate who becomes involved with Bud.
- [Congo Jake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/congo_jake.md): A boisterous sailor and friend of Jimmy, often found in bars.
- [Anna Cohen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/anna_cohen.md): A Jewish immigrant working as a seamstress, seeking a better life.
- [Gus McNiel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/gus_mcniel.md): A rough, hard-drinking fireman and friend of the characters.
- [Cassandra Wilkins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/cassandra_wilkins.md): A socialite and friend of Ellen, part of the city's fashionable set.
- [Joe O'Keefe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/joe_okeefe.md): An Irish-American friend and drinking companion of Jimmy.
- [Emily Merivale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/emily_merivale.md): James Merivale's aunt, a proper and traditional woman.
- [Emile Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/emile_rigaud.md): A French restaurateur and shady character involved in various schemes.
- [Ed Thatcher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ed_thatcher.md): Ellen's father, a struggling businessman who dreams of wealth.
- [Phineas P. Blackhead](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/phineas_blackhead.md): A pompous and wealthy businessman, a symbol of old New York.
- [Rose Segal](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/rose_segal.md): A young Jewish woman working in the garment industry.
- [Maisie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/maisie.md): A chorus girl and friend of Ellen, navigating the theater world.
- [Dutch Robertson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/dutch_robertson.md): An actor and acquaintance of the bohemian crowd.
- [Harry Goldweiser](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/harry_goldweiser.md): A wealthy Jewish businessman and patron of the arts.
- [Tony Hunter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/tony_hunter.md): A young man about town, part of the social scene.
- [Uncle Jeff](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/uncle_jeff.md): A relative of Lily Herf, offering occasional support.
- [Nevada Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/nevada_jones.md): A prostitute and acquaintance of the underworld characters.
- [Phil Sandbourne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/phil_sandbourne.md): A friend of George Baldwin, involved in business and politics.
- [Morris Allwight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/morris_allwight.md): A minor character in the city's social circles.
- [Martin Schiff](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/martin_schiff.md): A young intellectual and friend of the bohemian set.
- [Jojo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jojo.md): A black servant or worker in the city's background.
- [Jack Cunningham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jack_cunningham.md): A newspaperman and friend of Jimmy's circle.
- [Madame Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/madame_rigaud.md): Emile Rigaud's wife, a quiet presence in his life.
- [Roy Sheffield](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/roy_sheffield.md): A young man from a wealthy family, briefly involved with Ellen.
- [Charlie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/charlie.md): A minor character, possibly a waiter or bartender.
- [Jake Silverman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/jake_silverman.md): A Jewish businessman and associate of Goldweiser.
- [Marco](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/marco.md): An Italian immigrant, part of the city's diverse fabric.
- [Elaine Oglethorpe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/elaine_oglethorpe.md): A socialite and later wife of John Oglethorpe.
- [Cecily](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/cecily.md): A minor character, possibly a maid or servant.
- [Mike Cardinale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/mike_cardinale.md): An Italian immigrant involved in petty crime.
- [Mrs. Budkowitz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/mrs_budkowitz.md): A Jewish mother and neighbor in the tenements.
- [Frances Hildebrand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/frances_hildebrand.md): A bohemian artist and friend of the circle.
- [Madame Soubrine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/madame_soubrine.md): A French dressmaker, employer of Anna Cohen.
- [Mrs. Merivale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/mrs_merivale.md): James Merivale's mother, a traditional woman.
- [Mrs. Jack Cunningham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/mrs_jack_cunningham.md): Jack Cunningham's wife, a social climber.
- [Elmer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/elmer.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.
- [Florence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/florence.md): A minor female character, possibly a prostitute.
- [The Colonel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/the_colonel.md): An elderly Southern gentleman, a friend of Lily Herf.
- [Skinny](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/skinny.md): A minor character, possibly a waiter or bartender.
- [Felsius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/felsius.md): A minor character, possibly a shopkeeper.
- [Armand Duval](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/armand_duval.md): A character from a play within the novel.
- [Mr. Perry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/mr_perry.md): A minor character, possibly a businessman.
- [Billy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/billy.md): A minor character, possibly a sailor or worker.
- [Bob Hildebrand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/bob_hildebrand.md): Frances Hildebrand's husband, an artist.
- [Daddy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/daddy.md): A minor character, possibly a father figure.
- [Ole Specker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/ole_specker.md): An old man in the city, possibly a drunk.
- [Annette Kellermann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/annette_kellermann.md): A famous swimmer and actress, mentioned as a celebrity.
- [Georgy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/georgy.md): A minor character, possibly a child or servant.
- [The Ogle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/the_ogle.md): A nickname for a member of the Oglethorpe family.
- [Holyoke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/holyoke.md): A minor character, possibly a friend of the circle.
- [Hay Schmidt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/hay_schmidt.md): A minor character, possibly a German immigrant.
- [Gabriel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters/gabriel.md): A biblical reference, used as an exclamation.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/characters