College instructor

This ambitious young man is Helen's pompous, vain instructor at college. Though Helen's mother believes the professor is a better match for her daughter than any of the men in the town, the professor makes George and Helen appear "sophisticated" in comparison.

Wesley Moyer

Wesley Moyer is a farmer and owner of a livery stable in Winesburg who brags about winning a horse race with his stallion, Tony Tip, at the Winesburg County Fair. When George overhears Wesley's boasting, he becomes inflamed with anger at the small-mindedness of the townspeople and decides to find Helen — the one person he feels he can identify with.

Helen White

Helen White is the daughter of the only banker in the town of Winesburg. She has a certain elegance that causes George to distinguish her from others. In fact, "When the moment of sophistication came to George Willard his mind...