Character Analysis
The Duke of St. Austrey is the van der Luydens' cousin. He provides a contrast between the aristocracy in Europe and upper class society in America. Unlike many in Archer's world, the Duke of St. Austrey is actually of noble lineage, but he isn’t as hung up on class distinctions as the Americans are. He’s chummy toward Ellen Olenska (who he knew when she was still with the Count) and he’s willing to go to "low-brow" occasions like Mrs. Struther's musical evenings.