Christopher Newman

Christopher Newman is the main character of the novel. Newman is a thirty-six-year-old American who was named after Christopher Columbus. Newman has made his fortune working in America first selling leather and then later selling washtubs. Newman has come to France to enjoy some of the profits of his fortune.

Newman is a person who has planned his life out in minute detail. Until the time that he meets the Bellegardes, Newman's life has gone as he had planned. Although he started out with nothing, he has worked hard to make his fortune. He has not married or taken any time for rest or leisure.

Newman has a specific idea of what type of woman his wife should be. Claire de Cintre meets his requirements. Fortunately, Claire, who has been married once before, also likes Newman. After a period of six months, Claire accepts Newman's proposal of...