Character guide

McTeague

major

Also known as Doctor McTeague, young McTeague, the dentist, Doc

A large, simple-minded dentist in San Francisco whose life unravels after marrying Trina.

Trina Sieppe

major

Also known as Trina, Miss Trina, Mrs. McTeague

McTeague's wife, a frugal and increasingly miserly woman who wins a lottery.

Marcus Schouler

major

Also known as Marcus, Mark, cousin Mark, Mr. Schouler

McTeague's friend and rival, a volatile young man who once courted Trina.

Maria Macapa

supporting

Also known as Maria, Macapa, May

The McTeagues' gossipy and superstitious maid who tells tales of buried gold.

Old Grannis

supporting

Also known as Grannis, Mister Grannis, Mr. Grannis

A shy, elderly man living in the same building, quietly in love with Miss Baker.

Zerkow

supporting

Also known as the ragman Zerkow, old Zerkow

A greedy junk dealer obsessed with Maria's story of a golden service.

Miss Baker

supporting

Also known as Old Miss Baker, Little Miss Baker, Baker

A prim, elderly spinster who shares a quiet romance with Old Grannis.

Mr. Heise

supporting

Also known as Heise, Mrs. Heise, Mister Heise

A harness-maker and friend of Marcus, involved in the later conflict.

Mr. Sieppe

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Sieppe, the Sieppe

Trina's German immigrant parents, who move the family to a new home.

Cribbens

supporting

Also known as evening Cribbens

A friend of McTeague who helps him after his downfall.

Owgooste

minor

Also known as August, little August

Trina's younger brother, a clumsy and awkward boy.

Uncle Oelbermann

minor

Also known as Oelbermann, Mr. Oelbermann

Trina's wealthy uncle who manages her lottery winnings.

Selina

minor

A young woman who rents a room in the same building as the McTeagues.

Joe Frenna

minor

Also known as Frenna, Joe

A saloonkeeper and acquaintance of McTeague and Marcus.

Alexander

minor

Also known as Alec

A young man briefly mentioned in the narrative.

Mrs. Ryer

minor

Also known as Ryer, Mister Ryer

A neighbor in the apartment building where the McTeagues live.

Lorenzo de' Medici

minor

A historical figure briefly alluded to in conversation.

Vanovitch

minor

A minor character mentioned in passing.

Carter

minor

A minor character in the story.

Napoleon Bonaparte

minor

Also known as Napoleon

A historical figure referenced in the narrative.