Ralph Touchett

Ralph Touchett is a key character in Henry James's novel "The Portrait of a Lady." He is an intelligent, compassionate man and a close friend of the protagonist, Isabel Archer. Ralph is wealthy due to an inheritance but values friendship and moral integrity over material gain. He is compassionate, insightful, and deeply interested in the well-being of those around him. His health is poor, which influences his perspectives on life and living meaningfully. Ralph's character embodies themes of friendship, self-awareness, and the philosophical contemplation of happiness.