The Custom of the Country characters

Appears from the start

A striking young woman from Apex City whose family has moved to New York to advance her social prospects. Undine is restless, acquisitive, and intensely alert to signs of status. She expects her parents to meet her wants and treats marriage chiefly as a route into the world she envies.

Appears from the start

Undine's father, a wealthy but anxious businessman from Apex City. He finances his daughter's ambitions while struggling to understand New York society and the mounting cost of satisfying her.

Appears from the start

Undine's indulgent mother. She shares the family's provincial habits, worries over appearances, and generally supports her daughter's wishes even when they strain the household.

Appears from the start

A friendly masseuse and beauty specialist who carries gossip between fashionable households. Her knowledge of society makes her useful to Undine and her mother as they try to understand New York's rules.

First appears in chapter 4

A businessman from Undine's Apex City past. Confident, adaptable, and socially unpolished, he appears in New York with a familiarity that embarrasses Undine and alarms her father.

First appears in chapter 5

A cultivated member of an old New York family who is drawn to Undine's beauty and apparent freshness. Ralph has refined tastes and literary ambitions but much less money than Undine assumes his social position guarantees.

First appears in chapter 5

Ralph Marvell's warm, capable sister and Jim Driscoll's wife. Laura receives Undine into the family and repeatedly tries to soften the consequences of conflict between Undine and the Marvells.

First appears in chapter 7

A member of Ralph's circle and Peter Van Degen's wife. Clare is perceptive, self-controlled, and familiar with the compromises of her social world; she has also known Ralph since youth.

First appears in chapter 8

Clare's extremely wealthy husband, whose money gives him access without the restraints of the older families. Undine is impressed by his spending and worldly confidence, and he enjoys her admiration.

First appears in chapter 20

Undine and Ralph's young son. Paul is largely cared for by others while his parents' marriage deteriorates, making him vulnerable to decisions made around money, travel, and custody.

Also known as Marquis de Chelles

First appears in chapter 29

A French aristocrat attached to an old family and its inherited estate. Raymond is attracted to Undine but regards family continuity, religion, and ancestral possessions as obligations rather than decorations.