# Matilda Murray — Agnes Grey character guide

> Matilda Murray in Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë.

**Role:** 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:** 0006-vii-horton-lodge

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [VII: Horton Lodge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/vii-horton-lodge)

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

### [The Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/ix-the-ball)

Boasts about her new mare and her hunting skills, using coarse language; insists on telling her story first.

### [X: The Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xi-the-cottagers)

Another pupil; rude and boisterous toward the poor, showing lack of consideration.

### [XII: The Shower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xii-the-shower)

Returns early from a ride due to rain, angry that Agnes was not present for tea.

### [XIV: The Rector](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xv-the-walk)

Teases Rosalie about Hatfield and expresses hope that Harry Meltham will be her beau.

### [The Substitution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xvi-the-substitution)

Matilda is reluctantly enlisted by Rosalie to accompany her on a walk intended to intercept Mr. Weston.

### [Mirth and Mourning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xx-the-farewell)

Agnes's remaining pupil; described as honest but rambling; distracts Agnes during walks and at church.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/characters/matilda_murray
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/agnes_grey_se/characters