Luis Campion Character Analysis in Tender Is the Night

An “effeminate” man who is portrayed as a wimp and is implied to have had a love affair with Mr. Humphry. Most scholars agree that Fitzgerald probably intended for Campion to be gay; at the time of the novel’s publication, homosexuality was illegal in America and in many parts of Europe, and it was considered an illness, curable through clinical intervention. Rosemary echoes this attitude, as she is quite repulsed by him, considering him very unmanly as they watch the duel between Tommy and McKisco together.

Luis Campion Character Timeline in Tender Is the Night

The timeline below shows where the character Luis Campion appears in Tender Is the Night. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Excess, Destruction, and the Failed American Dream Theme Icon

...man with the monocle interrupts Rosemary, complimenting her on her swimming. He introduces himself as Campion, and invites her to join his party, who he says are keen to meet her.... (full context)

...world.” She is shocked when Violet and Mr. McKisco, Mrs. Abrams, Mr. Dumphry, and Mr. Campion arrive, believing them to be “incongruous” guests. Dick’s cool confidence and ease, however, soon convinces... (full context)

Gender, Mental Illness, and Psychiatry Theme Icon

The Pursuit of Youth and Innocence Theme Icon

...separate cars—“There would be Tommy Barban […] with Mrs. Abrams, Violet McKisco, Mr. McKisco and Campion” in one car, and Early Brady, Rosemary, Mrs. Speers, and Dumphry in the other. As... (full context)

...of the umbilical cord”—and unable to sleep, Rosemary walks onto the terrace to find Luis Campion weeping, “shaking in the same parts as a weeping woman.” When Rosemary asks what’s the... (full context)

Campion tells his “extraordinary story” about how Violet and Tommy had had an argument in the... (full context)

...her laugh when Abe arrives and asks her why she’s up so early. Abe calls Campion a “sewing-circle member” and ask Rosemary what she knows of the commotion. (full context)

Campion invites Rosemary to ride with him in the hotel car to watch the duel. She... (full context)

...without her. Rosemary obeys. Pulling up secretly at the golf course in the hotel car, Campion and Rosemary hide in the woods to watch the duel. The opponents shoot but miss... (full context)

“Gasping” with excitement and shock, Campion is “the only casualty of the duel.” Rosemary laughs at him as her thoughts turn... (full context)