Character Clues

Character Analysis

Social Status

When Newman flits into Paris, France, he has some idea that social status is important. As a wealthy, handsome, eligible bachelor, he thinks he's got it made in the shade. As Cher Horowitz would say, "As if!"

To be clear, social status is extremely important in the top-tier aristocratic circle Newman's recently entered. But while Newman's "sole aim in life had been to make money," (2.51) the real Parisians are intent on solidifying their social status through other means.

Even Mr. Tristram, who isn't exactly the savviest in the bunch, knows that Newman should be more aware of his social profile. When Newman tells him he's staying at the Grand Hotel, Tristram wrinkles his nose and tells him "That won't do!" (2.39).

Instead, he suggests a quieter, more elegant hotel. Better to be tasteful than to be ostentatious, you know.

Physical Appearances

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it's also in practically every character in The American. Yep, these are some attractive people. Newman can't help but fall in love at first sight with the beautiful Claire, while Noémie makes conquests with a coquettish glance.

Although they say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, appearances often give clues about how the plot will play out. For instance, Noémie's "expressive French eye, which projected too much for perfect beauty," always seems to have a "slight gleam of audacity" (4.52). While we can't know for sure what that "slight gleam" means, we know it's no kind of good.

Family Life

Family ties are practically portrayed as a medical affliction in The American. When Newman asks what disease Claire has contracted, Mrs. Tristram wittily answers: "She suffers from her wicked old mother and her Grand Turk of a brother" (6.12).

Family drags Claire down throughout the book, but it also shows what she's up against on a daily basis. She's constantly sad because she can't figure out how to live her own authentic life.

Somebody call Oprah.

On the other hand, all of the characters are forced to deal with family drama of one type or another. Newman's determination to navigate the Bellegarde family's hostility shows his resilience. Valentin tries to distance himself from his family, but ends up being sucked in when his sister is in trouble.

There's nothing like family, right?