A petty, vindictive man, Trenor also personifies the vanity and corruption of the wealthy. A physically unattractive man, he attempts to assist attractive young women in their financial affairs in order to compromise and exploit them. When he makes his initial offer to help Lily, it is clear to the reader (if not to her) that he will expect repayment in romantic favors.
Trenor is rude, often drunk, and boorish. He is allowed to behave this way simply because he is wealthy. His inability to manipulate Lily frustrates him because he is used to possessing whatever he desires.
