Heroes for Sale

A World War I hero who is wounded and morphine-addicted after captivity, Tom fights to reclaim his life. He rises from the shadow of addiction to become a decisive, resourceful driver, and eventually a community-minded fundraiser who tries to protect workers. His arc spans triumph, downfall, and a renewed sense of purpose during the Depression. Tom’s perseverance is tested by betrayal, economic forces, and his own conscience.

Tom’s romance with Ruth Loring provides a personal line through his upheavals. Her loyalty is tested by his struggles and the chaos of the era. Ruth’s death during the riot underscores the human cost of the social crisis around unemployment and reform. She embodies the intimate stakes of the larger social conflict.

Tom’s army comrade who returns a decorated hero but later shares in the ruin of the era. Roger’s path reveals loyalty and disillusion as the Depression erodes the social fabric that once bound them. He embodies the fallen soldier who cannot escape to prosperity and dignity offered to others. His fate mirrors the broader collapse of opportunity.

A radical inventor whose machine promises easier work but costs workers’ jobs. Brinker’s invention catalyzes the tension between progress and people, driving the plot’s central economic conflict. He represents the lure of technological progress and the social upheaval that follows. His role forces characters to choose between personal gain and communal welfare.

The kindhearted diner owner who offers Tom a shelter and a chance to restart his life. Pop’s shop becomes a hub of solidarity for the unemployed and a symbol of everyday generosity. He stands as the moral anchor of the community, guiding others through hardship. His daughter Mary shares in this mission and helps sustain the human network around them.

Pop Dennis’s daughter, who helps run the diner and supports Tom as he rebuilds his life. She embodies resilience and practical kindness, offering stability amidst chaos. Mary’s involvement underscores how small acts of care can sustain people during economic collapse. She helps anchor the community that Tom ultimately serves.