Washington Square Characters: A Deep Dive
Dr. Austin Sloper
A complex figure in Henry James’s work, Dr. Sloper is both intelligent and harsh, particularly towards his daughter, Catherine. While critical of her suitor, Morris Townsend, his actions transcend simple villainy. Throughout the novel, he embodies a symbolic father figure, often neglecting his sisters, Lavinia Penniman and Elizabeth Almond. As a renowned figure in Washington Square, the contrast between his social standing and personal failures is stark. Despite his medical expertise, he couldn’t save his wife and son. His influence also fails to sway Catherine, highlighting his shortcomings within his own family.
Catherine Sloper
The novel’s heroine, Catherine, is often controlled by dominant figures. Initially unable to meet her father’s expectations, she struggles to be seen as “clever” rather than simply “good.” As the story unfolds, she discovers her own intelligence and defies her father. Betrayed by Morris and subjected to her father’s cruelty, Catherine endures significant suffering.
Lavinia Penniman
Dr. Sloper’s eccentric and dramatic sister, Lavinia, becomes Catherine’s maternal figure after her mother’s death. She encourages Catherine’s romantic pursuits, particularly with Morris Townsend, despite clear reasons against the match. Lavinia’s persistent hope, even after seventeen years, ultimately fails. Despite her meddling and denial, her intentions remain good.
Morris Townsend
A charming but selfish young man, Morris arrives in town having squandered his fortune. He lives off his sister, Mrs. Montgomery, and avoids work. His intention to marry Catherine for her money is thwarted by Dr. Sloper’s threat of disinheritance. He abandons Catherine and returns years later, only to be rejected.
Mrs. Elizabeth Almond
Dr. Sloper’s favored sister, Elizabeth, possesses a rational and kind nature. Sympathetic to Catherine, she criticizes Dr. Sloper’s cold-heartedness. Her level-headedness contrasts with Lavinia’s dramatic tendencies.
Mrs. Montgomery
Morris Townsend’s widowed sister, Mrs. Montgomery, supports him despite his financial dependence. Dr. Sloper pressures her to acknowledge Morris’s selfishness and its potential impact on Catherine’s happiness.
Marian Almond
Elizabeth Almond’s daughter, Marian, marries Arthur Townsend. Her engagement party serves as the setting for Catherine and Morris’s first encounter.
Arthur Townsend
Marian’s husband and a distant cousin of Morris, Arthur is a respectable stockbroker. His industrious nature contrasts sharply with Morris’s indolence, highlighting the differences within the Townsend family.
Mrs. Catherine Harrington Sloper
Dr. Sloper’s deceased wife, Catherine, was a wealthy socialite who married him despite his lack of inheritance. She died after giving birth to their daughter, Catherine, leaving Dr. Sloper to mourn her intelligence and beauty, qualities he perceives as lacking in his daughter.