Poetry · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Poetry by Ring Lardner.
Unknown Narrator
major
Also known as I, mine, myself, your
The unnamed first-person narrator and focal character throughout the book.
Young Stranger
supporting
Also known as a young stranger
A youthful figure addressed by the narrator, possibly a son or protégé.
Harry B. Wallace
minor
Also known as Harry B. Wallace Diamond, Harry B. Wallace Diamond Importer
A diamond importer and acquaintance of the narrator.
Brother Jim
supporting
Also known as Jim, healthy Jim
The narrator's brother, often mentioned in familial contexts.
Daddy
minor
Also known as daddy
The narrator's father, referenced in personal anecdotes.
Charley Deneen
minor
Also known as Ex- Gov. Chas . S. Deneen Lawyer, Charley
Former governor and lawyer, a political figure in the narrative.
Brother John
minor
Also known as John
Another brother of the narrator, appearing in family scenes.
Lurid Lew
supporting
Also known as David R. Lewis Banker, Dave, David, Davey
A banker with a colorful nickname, part of the narrator's social circle.
Cousin Paull
minor
Also known as Paull
A cousin of the narrator, mentioned in family gatherings.
Madge
minor
Also known as Exit Madge Madge
A woman who exits the narrative early, possibly a romantic interest.
John Z. Vogelslang
minor
Also known as John Z., Man
A restaurant owner known to the narrator.
Lena
minor
Also known as Belle, Lynn Fontanne
An actress or performer, possibly a composite character.
Kid Gleason
supporting
Also known as William Gleason, William, White Sox, the Sox, Kid, William A. ( Kid ) Gleason Manager White Sox
Manager of the Chicago White Sox baseball team.
Dick Carle
minor
Also known as Dick
An actor or acquaintance in the narrator's circle.
William Veeck
minor
Also known as William
A baseball executive associated with the Cubs.
Sylvia
minor
Also known as herself
A woman referenced by the narrator, possibly a relative or friend.
John B. De Voney
minor
Also known as De Voney
A real estate agent mentioned in passing.
John Fletcher
minor
A banker appearing in the narrative.
Fred C. Schwab
minor
Also known as Will, Al, Freddie
A tire dealer and friend of the narrator.
Robert J. Dunham
minor
Also known as Robert J.
An acquaintance, possibly in business.
L. Maguire
minor
Also known as Maguire
A president of some organization, briefly mentioned.
John J. Meagher
minor
A stock broker known to the narrator.
Amos C. Miller
minor
A lawyer mentioned in the narrative.
George K. Schmidt
minor
A banker appearing in the book.
Dollar Bill
minor
Also known as Bill Dollar Bill, The Author Goodbye Bill Dollar Bill
A character addressed in a farewell poem.
John Borden
minor
Also known as John
A capitalist and acquaintance.
Maclay
minor
A person referenced in the narrative.
Son Lou
minor
Also known as Son
A son or younger relative of the narrator.
Bion J. Arnold
minor
Also known as Col . Bion J. Arnold Engineer, Bion
An engineer and colonel, mentioned in the text.
Jonesey
minor
A minor character, possibly a friend.
Adolph Linick
minor
Also known as Linick
A theater owner mentioned in the narrative.
John E. Owens
minor
A lawyer appearing in the book.
Alexander H. Revell
minor
A merchant mentioned in passing.
Phil R. Toll
minor
Also known as Philip
A lumberman and acquaintance.
Heine
supporting
Also known as the Great Heine
A character with a soliloquy, possibly a poet or wit.
Chick Evans
minor
Also known as Evans Writer, Chick ) Evans Writer
A writer and golfer, mentioned in the narrative.
Heckus Family
minor
Also known as Mrs. H., Baby Heckus, Tom, Bill, the Heckus dad
A family unit appearing in a poem or sketch.
Col. Chas. H. Ebbets
minor
Also known as Charley
President of a baseball club, likely the Dodgers.
John M. Glenn
minor
Also known as John
A secretary or official mentioned.
George Golde
minor
A merchant appearing in the text.
Jess Willard
minor
Also known as Willard, Jessica
A heavyweight boxer, referenced in the narrative.
Samuel A. Ettelson
minor
Also known as Samuel, Sam
Corporation counsel, a legal figure.
Bennett Griffin
minor
An insurance man mentioned.
Oscar F. Mayer
minor
Also known as Oscar
A meat packer, founder of the company.
John J. Mitchell
minor
Also known as John
A banker mentioned in the narrative.
F. H. Rawson
minor
A banker appearing in the book.
Frank H. Reilly
minor
Also known as Frank Reilly
A real estate agent.
Peter Reinberg
minor
Also known as Peter
A president of some entity.
Modie J. Spiegel
minor
Also known as Modie
A president, likely of a company.
James F. Stepina
minor
Also known as Jim, James
A banker mentioned in the narrative.
Alfred Lunt
minor
An actor, part of the theatrical world.
Lawrence R. Adams
minor
Also known as Lawrence, Larry
A president of a company.
Gott. Ralph Bradley
minor
Also known as Gott
A person with a military or religious title.
Edward J. Brundage
minor
Also known as Ed Brundage, Edward J.
A lawyer or official.
F. A. Crandall
minor
Also known as Crandall
A banker mentioned.
Jacob Miller
minor
Also known as Jake
An editor.
Waller Morton
minor
Also known as Waller
A stock broker.
Doc Harpster
minor
Also known as Doc
A doctor or nickname for a character.
Barbara
minor
Also known as Babette
A woman, possibly a relative.
The Gophers
minor
A group or team referenced.
Col. Lowden
minor
A colonel mentioned.
Hark
minor
A character with a distinctive name.
Philip R. Clarke
minor
A president of a company.
Frank R. Coates
minor
A president mentioned.
David Copland
minor
Also known as David
A vice president.
Victor Elting
minor
Also known as Victor
A lawyer.
George F. Harding
minor
Also known as George
A person of note.
Dan Hayes
minor
A character mentioned.
James O. Heyworth
minor
An engineer.
Peter M. Hoffman
minor
Also known as Pete Hoffman, Peter, Peter M. Hoffman Coroner
A coroner.
George Cohan
minor
A famous entertainer.
Peter J. Schaefer
minor
Also known as Pete Schaefer, Pete, Peter J. Schaefer
A theatre owner.
Walden W. Shaw
minor
President of Yellow Cab Co.
Mort H. Singer
minor
Also known as Mort, Mort Singer
A theatrical man.
Max Thorek
minor
A physician.
Henry Veeder
minor
A lawyer.
Charles A. White
minor
A banker.
W. G. Nicholson
minor
A banker.
S. Jay Kaufman
minor
Also known as Jay Kaufman
A writer or journalist.
