A Hazard of New Fortunes · Character

Margaret Vance

Wealthy, philanthropic Margaret Vance calls on the Dryfooses out of a romantic sense of duty, then finds her good intentions tangled in curiosity and self-consciousness.

supporting

Also known as Margaret, Miss Vance, Vance, Passil Marge, Marge

First appearance: a hazard of new fortunes

As a supporting figure in A Hazard of New Fortunes, Margaret Vance is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Margaret engages in intellectual conversation, considers visiting the Dryfooses out of social duty, and shows interest in art and literature.

In the storyVOpen this moment free

See Margaret Vance in V Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Margaret moves easily among artists, concerts, and fashionable charity, a girl of culture and conscience whose aunt mistakes conventionality for ideals. She visits the Dryfooses determined to let them patronize her, aware that she is playing a part even as she tries not to, and makes her banjo the little comedy's prop. Her well-meant attempt to cross New York's social lines exposes how much her generosity is a matter of principle—and how little she yet understands the people she means to help.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Margaret Vance sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Margaret Vance in a hazard of new fortunes

Character Web

18 connections

A slice of how Margaret Vance sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Magazine's social network

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs as Beaton confronts the psychological peak of his internal conflic…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Margaret Vance appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
Margaret engages in intellectual conversation, considers visiting the Dryfooses out of social duty, and shows interest in art and literature.
VI
Margaret discusses with her aunt the propriety of calling on the Dryfooses, showing her benevolent and idealistic nature, though she is aware of society's constraints.
VII
Visits the Dryfoos sisters out of a desire to do good, struggles with sincerity, and invites them to a concert.
VIII
Visits the Dryfoos sisters out of a romantic sense of duty, but misjudges their reaction by assuming they share her own social insecurities.
IX
Hosts the party and tries to include the Dryfoos sisters, showing her philanthropic spirit and social idealism.
Chapter II
Margaret discusses her charitable work with Beaton, showing her earnest commitment to social causes, which concerns her aunt.
V
Miss Vance stops Conrad in the street, expressing her anguish over the strike and her admiration for the workers' sacrifice.
VII
Miss Vance visits the Marches, tormented by guilt that her words may have sent Conrad to his death. She seeks the truth and shows deep compassion for the suffering of others.
IX
Margaret Vance is kneeling beside Lindau's deathbed, holding his hand and praying.
Chapter XI
Margaret Vance is mentioned as being driven to the work of a Sister of Charity among the poor and dying.
XIV
Deeply engaged in good works; defends Conrad Dryfoos as a peacemaker and discusses his death with Beaton.
XVIII
Encountered by the Marches in nun's dress; appears joyful and at peace; her past talk with Conrad is recalled.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Margaret Vance unlock in the free preview.

See Margaret Vance in a hazard of new fortunes

See Margaret Vance in V