The Titan: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Titan: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives and relationships of key figures surrounding Frank Algernon Cowperwood, a complex protagonist characterized by his financial acumen and moral ambiguity. After serving time for embezzlement, Cowperwood seeks to rebuild his fortune in Chicago, becoming a pivotal player in the city's transit system. However, his ruthless pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to his downfall as he loses power due to corrupt practices. Aileen Butler Cowperwood, his wife, grapples with the challenges of social status and fidelity, leading her to seek love outside her troubled marriage. Stephanie Platow, a younger mistress of Cowperwood, similarly disappoints him by pursuing another relationship. In contrast, Berenice Fleming, educated and ambitious, is positioned to step into a more socially esteemed role as Cowperwood's intended wife. The narrative also introduces Peter Laughlin, a businessman who initially partners with Cowperwood, highlighting the shifting dynamics of power and ambition in Chicago's financial landscape. This analysis provides a nuanced exploration of ambition, love, and betrayal, reflecting the complexities of human relationships in a competitive world.
The Titan: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Theodore Dreiser
First published: 1914
Genre: Novel
Locale: Chicago, Illinois
Plot: Naturalism
Time: The 1890's
Frank Algernon Cowperwood, a financial genius. Freed from prison in Pennsylvania, where he served a term for embezzlement, he goes to Chicago to make a new fortune. Amoral in business and love, he gains control of many lives and many businesses. He becomes the force behind the Chicago transit system until his greed causes him to lose his power to obtain franchises through bribery. Defeated, he sells his interests and leaves Chicago.
Aileen Butler Cowperwood, a beautiful young woman, the daughter of an Irish politician in Philadelphia. She becomes Cowperwood's mistress and, later, his wife. In her attempts to enter high society, she is frustrated by her own lack of social poise and by the enmity her husband evokes by his business dealings. Her husband's marital infidelities drive her to take a lover herself. She and Cowperwood are finally divorced to clear the way for a marriage between Cowperwood and Berenice Fleming.
Stephanie Platow, a dark, lush young woman ten years younger than Aileen. She becomes Cowperwood's mistress. She eventually disappoints Cowperwood by taking another lover.
Berenice Fleming, another of Cowperwood's lovers. Although she is the daughter of a procuress, she is educated in a fashionable boarding school, in preparation for a life in high society as Cowperwood's wife.
Peter Laughlin, a Chicago businessman who takes Cowperwood as a business partner, thus giving the Philadelphian his start in the Midwest. Laughlin is left behind, however, as Cowperwood becomes a great force in financial circles.