Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Rise of David Golder
David transforms from a poor Polish Jew to a successful American business magnate through ambition and strategic decisions.
Key Events
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Humble Beginnings — David starts as poor Polish Jew Characters: David Golder
Location: Poland
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Business Rise — Builds business empire in America Characters: David Golder, Tübingen, Marcus
Location: New York
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Paris Relocation — Moves to Paris with family Characters: David Golder, Gloria, Joyce
Location: Paris
Parisian Paradise
David relocates to Paris with his family, enjoying the luxury and status he has worked so hard to achieve.
Key Events
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Paris Relocation — Moves to Paris with family Characters: David Golder, Gloria, Joyce
Location: Paris
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Luxury Life — Enjoys wealthy lifestyle Characters: David Golder, Gloria, Joyce
Location: Paris Mansion
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Extravagant Spending — Wife begins excessive spending Characters: Gloria, David Golder
Location: Paris
The Financial Decline
David's wealth begins to erode due to his wife's extravagant lifestyle and poor financial decisions.
Key Events
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Extravagant Spending — Wife begins excessive spending Characters: Gloria, David Golder
Location: Paris
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Financial Warnings — David pleads with wife to curb spending Characters: David Golder, Gloria
Location: Paris Home
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Poor Investments — Wife makes unwise financial decisions Characters: Gloria, Graf Hoyos
Location: Paris
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Wealth Erosion — Fortune rapidly diminishes Characters: David Golder, Ein Arzt
Location: Paris
The Bitter End
David confronts the devastating consequences of his wife's financial irresponsibility, losing everything he built.
Key Events
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Wealth Erosion — Fortune rapidly diminishes Characters: David Golder, Ein Arzt
Location: Paris
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Bitter Realization — Confronts loss of everything Characters: David Golder, Gloria, Joyce
Location: Paris
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Cautionary Tale — Final reflection on materialism Characters: David Golder
Location: Paris
