Agnes Grey · Character

Matilda Murray

The younger Murray sister, a whip-cracking tomboy who prefers horses and hounds to ladylike accomplishments, to her mother's despair.

supporting

Also known as Matilda, Miss Matilda, Miss Murray, Miss Matilda Murray, the Misses Murray, the amiable Miss Murray, the thoughtless Miss Murray, Matilda Murray

First appearance: VII: Horton Lodge

As a supporting figure in Agnes Grey, Matilda Murray is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of Agnes's pupils, noted for her lack of consideration and capricious behavior.

In the storyVII: Horton LodgeOpen this moment free

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Matilda is loud, coarse, and gloriously unbothered by propriety, carrying a hunting whip and swearing like a groom. Her mother's belated campaign to reform her manners turns the household into a battleground, with Agnes caught in the crossfire. Though less central than Rosalie, Matilda exposes the family's indulgence and neglect, and her rough vitality throws the artificiality of her sister's world into sharp relief.

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See Matilda Murray in VII: Horton Lodge

Character Web

4 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Village life and minor characters
Protagonist
Moral and social contrasts

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Agnes articulates a profound shift from passiv…

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In the story

Matilda Murray appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: Horton Lodge
One of Agnes's pupils, noted for her lack of consideration and capricious behavior.
The Ball
Boasts about her new mare and her hunting skills, using coarse language; insists on telling her story first.
X: The Church
Matilda argues with Rosalie about Harry Meltham's admiration, revealing her rough manners and desire for a husband who shares her love of horses and dogs.
XI: The Cottagers
Another pupil; rude and boisterous toward the poor, showing lack of consideration.
XII: The Shower
Returns early from a ride due to rain, angry that Agnes was not present for tea.
XIV: The Rector
Matilda is briefly mentioned as having galloped through lessons, thumped the piano, and gone to the yards and stables; she is later seen in the park.
XV: The Walk
Teases Rosalie about Hatfield and expresses hope that Harry Meltham will be her beau.
The Substitution
Matilda is reluctantly enlisted by Rosalie to accompany her on a walk intended to intercept Mr. Weston.
Mirth and Mourning
Left without companions after Rosalie's marriage, struggles with her mother's new restrictions on her activities and is bored and restless.
XX: The Farewell
Agnes's remaining pupil; described as honest but rambling; distracts Agnes during walks and at church.

Chapter companion notes

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See Matilda Murray in VII: Horton Lodge