# Margaret Vance — A Hazard of New Fortunes character guide

> Margaret Vance in A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0001-a-hazard-of-new-fortunes

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-v)

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

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-vii)

Visits the Dryfoos sisters out of a desire to do good, struggles with sincerity, and invites them to a concert.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-third-ix)

Hosts the party and tries to include the Dryfoos sisters, showing her philanthropic spirit and social idealism.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ii)

Margaret discusses her charitable work with Beaton, showing her earnest commitment to social causes, which concerns her aunt.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-v)

Miss Vance stops Conrad in the street, expressing her anguish over the strike and her admiration for the workers' sacrifice.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-ix)

Margaret Vance is kneeling beside Lindau's deathbed, holding his hand and praying.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xi)

Margaret Vance is mentioned as being driven to the work of a Sister of Charity among the poor and dying.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xiv)

Deeply engaged in good works; defends Conrad Dryfoos as a peacemaker and discusses his death with Beaton.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/chapters/part-fifth-xviii)

Encountered by the Marches in nun's dress; appears joyful and at peace; her past talk with Conrad is recalled.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters/margaret_vance
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_hazard_of_new_fortunes_se/characters