Old vs. New Money
The central conflict of the show is between which two groups of people in New York City society?
What are the "old money" and "new money" families?
This penniless young woman moves to New York to live with her aunts after her father's death.
Who is Marian Brook?
Marian's lawyer informs her that her father left her only this small amount of money and worthless stocks.
What is $30?
The new Russell mansion is located across the street from the van Rhijn home on this prestigious avenue.
What is East 61st street?
This character serves as the van Rhijn family's butler, a stickler for the rules of service.
Who is Bannister?
Which character is the primary representative of the rigid, "old money" establishment, often looking down on her new neighbors?
Who is Mrs. Agnes van Rhijn?
Marian meets this aspiring Black writer at the train station, and they travel to New York together, where she is eventually offered a place to stay.
Who is Peggy Scott?
Marian's purse is stolen at the train station after she falls victim to this kind of distraction tactic.
What is a staged fight/scuffle?
The mansion's construction is overseen by this real-life, famous Gilded Age architect.
Who is Stanford White?
The Russells' butler, a rival to Bannister, is named this.
Who is Church?
What is the name of the upstart, "new money" family that moves into a grand mansion across the street from the van Rhijn sisters?
Who are the Russells (George and Bertha)?
He is a ruthless railroad tycoon determined to expand his empire and secure his family's place in society.
Who is George Russell?
George Russell plans to build his railroad with a "clear run from New York to Chicago," a goal that involves crushing a remaining competitor by building a line right alongside his.
What is a ruthless business tactic/monopoly building?
Mrs. Russell hopes her children, Larry and Gladys, will make social connections, particularly with the daughter of Mrs. Astor, whose first name is this.
Who is Carrie?
When Peggy arrives at the van Rhijn household, the downstairs staff are excited to see her, except for this specific footman who exhibits a look of racism.
Who is John?
Mrs. Russell attempts to gain entry into society by leaving a calling card at the home of this supreme social gatekeeper, but her card is tossed into a fire.
Who is Mrs. Astor?
Agnes's son, Oscar, makes a playful, albeit awkward, first impression on his cousin Marian by asking if they should do this.
What is kiss?
Bertha Russell hosts a lavish housewarming party for 200 guests, but it is a complete failure because almost no one from "old society" attends.
What is a social snub/humiliation?
Bertha forces her chef to prepare enough food for this many guests for her ill-fated party.
What is 200 (two hundred)?
Marian and Ada attend a charity function that is described as a charity to teach orphans how to become this.
What are maids (servants)?
Agnes snubs the Russells' housewarming party invitation with the scoffing remark, "Let them entertain their own ___."
What is "sort"?
This Russell family employee, a lady's maid, previously worked for an old money family and has a notable attraction to her new master, George Russell.
Who is Miss Turner?
At the end of the episode, a frustrated Bertha declares she will make the snobbish society women feel this emotion.
What is "sorry" (as in, "I'll make them sorry one day")?
George Russell owns a controlling interest in this specific type of manufacturing business, which made his fortune and built his house.
What is steel (or a steel mill)/railroads?
Peggy Scott's goal in New York is to establish a career in this profession, a dream her father does not support.
What is writing (or being a novelist)?