# Leora Tozer — Arrowsmith character guide > Leora Tozer in Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Leora, Tozer, Leora Tozer **First appearance:** 0002-i ## Snapshot Martin's wry, unambitious wife, who expected to be a hobo's companion and instead finds herself a Pillar of the Community. ## Who they are Leora marries Martin expecting to follow him out on the road, but settles into a cottage with a nickeled stove and a golden-oak sideboard. She is too lazy to look up a new husband, and she warns him not to expect her to play the organ when he becomes Sunday School superintendent. Her dry humor and steady presence anchor Martin even as his ambitions pull him away from the small, sound life she represents. ## Relationships ### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith) _romantic_ Leora is Martin's devoted wife and steadfast companion, providing emotional stability and unwavering support throughout his tumultuous career. ### [Bert Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/bert_tozer) _family_ Bert Tozer is Leora's protective, pious brother who worries about her marriage to the non-religious Martin and tries to influence her choices. ### [Sandy Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/sandy_arrowsmith) _family_ Leora is the loving mother of Sandy, Martin's son, but their relationship is cut short by her sudden death from plague. ### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith) _romantic_ Leora is Martin's devoted wife and steadfast companion, providing emotional stability and unwavering support throughout his tumultuous career. ### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith) _romantic_ Leora is Martin's devoted wife and steadfast companion, providing emotional stability and unwavering support throughout his tumultuous career. ### [Sandy Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/sandy_arrowsmith) _family_ Leora is the loving mother of Sandy, Martin's son, but their relationship is cut short by her sudden death from plague. ### [Bert Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/bert_tozer) _family_ Bert Tozer is Leora's protective, pious brother who worries about her marriage to the non-religious Martin and tries to influence her choices. ### [Bert Tozer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/bert_tozer) _family_ Bert Tozer is Leora's protective, pious brother who worries about her marriage to the non-religious Martin and tries to influence her choices. ### [Sandy Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/sandy_arrowsmith) _family_ Leora is the loving mother of Sandy, Martin's son, but their relationship is cut short by her sudden death from plague. ## In the story ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Leora supports Martin during his suspension, and their relationship grows stronger. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) A new student who captivates Martin with her unconventional and free-spirited nature. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Probationer nurse at Zenith General Hospital; meets Martin, shares a deep connection, and becomes engaged to him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Martin's true love; her earthy nature contrasts with Madeline's pretensions. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Endures Madeline's patronizing questions and later asserts her determination to keep Martin. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vii) Leora is another romantic interest, offering a more genuine and less conventional connection for Martin. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Described as a serene, loyal companion who silently encourages Martin's confidence and ambition. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Feels intimidated by the department store and worries she cannot match Martin's new social standing, but shares a tender moment with him. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Attends the dance with Martin, enjoys dancing with other men, and confronts Martin about his jealousy, asserting her independence. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Martin to the cafeteria; her calm acceptance wins over Clif Clawson, who initially disliked her. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Martin's romantic interest; she accepts the invitation to the play and agrees to bring a friend. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Attends the play with Martin and Angus, flustered by Angus's attention but remains devoted to Martin. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as Martin's beloved, described as rustic but gallant. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Called home to Dakota; Martin misses her intensely and worries about her. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ix) Martin's wife, who supports him but is caught between his ambitions and her family's expectations. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Martin's obsession; he telegraphs her that he is coming to Wheatsylvania. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Hosts Martin at her family home, elopes with him, and defends him against her family's criticism. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Martin tells Dean Silva about his marriage to her. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Leora is dropped from nursing school for being married and secretly learns stenography to support herself and Martin. She stands resolutely with Martin against her father and brother, ready to leave with him forever. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Settles into the new room with Martin, her trunk and belongings arranged. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Attends business college, works as a stenographer, and creates a supportive home environment for Martin, understanding his philosophy despite limited medical knowledge. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Studies alongside Martin, uses frank language, and shows patience with Clif Clawson's humor. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Supports Martin's decisions and shares his enthusiasm for settling in Wheatsylvania. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xi) Martin's wife, who supports him but is caught between him and her family. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Works as a stenographer; supports Martin and is deeply impressed by Max Gottlieb. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xii) Supports Martin in Wheatsylvania, managing their home and providing emotional stability. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Seen with Martin by Gottlieb, who wonders if she stole Martin from science. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xiii) Leora is Martin's wife, providing emotional support as he navigates the challenges of small-town medical practice. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Leora defends Gottlieb's choice, suggesting he had good reasons, and argues with Martin about it. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xiv) Leora is Martin's wife, who remains supportive but is increasingly left out as Martin becomes more involved in Pickerbaugh's political activities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Stands up to her father and brother, demanding a loan of one thousand dollars with absolute control over its use. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Leora supports Martin and shares his joy in their new independent space, offering comfort against the family's criticism. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xv) Martin's wife, supportive but aware of his growing dissatisfaction. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Helps furnish the office, admires Martin's work, and shares a moment of happiness with him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Shares Martin's excitement about the car and learns to drive, though she kills the engine on her first attempt. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Beams over Martin's first night call, supportive but remains at home. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Supports Martin after the child's death, calling him conceited for thinking he is the only doctor to lose a patient. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xvi) Leora is Martin's wife, providing emotional support as he struggles with his role in Nautilus. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Married to Martin; enjoys picnics and swims, but sighs at becoming a 'Pillar of the Community'. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Martin's wife, who placidly participates in his reading sessions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Is pregnant and gently teases Martin for his new crusading zeal. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Suffers a miscarriage after severe morning sickness, but recovers with Martin's support. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xvii) Leora is Martin's wife, providing quiet support and managing their domestic life in Nautilus. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Assists Martin in the laboratory, helps maintain culture temperatures, and encourages him to attend the lecture alone. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Martin feels lonely for her during his trip. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xviii) Leora is Martin's wife, providing emotional support and a sense of normalcy amid his professional frustrations. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Supports Martin, suggests sending the seamstress to a sanitarium. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Shares Martin's excitement about the move to Nautilus. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Leora is present as Martin's wife, accompanying him on the journey to Nautilus. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xix) Leora is Martin's wife, providing a grounding presence and support as he navigates his frustrations in Nautilus. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Waits at the Sims House; Martin confides his doubts to her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Persuades Martin to stay in Nautilus and provides wry commentary on the demands of his new job. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Martin to the Pickerbaugh home, defends Pickerbaugh's poetry, and expresses jealousy over Martin's attention to Orchid. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Leora shares Martin's misery during the visit with the Watterses, finding solidarity in their mutual discomfort. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Joins Martin in social activities; complains about lack of quiet evenings; modernizes dancing and learns bridge. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Criticizes Martin's shift toward public speaking and boosterism, insisting he belongs in the laboratory; they quarrel about his speech and his admiration for Orchid. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Receives attention from the school physician; later seems cool toward Martin without making direct comments. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxi) Leora is Martin's wife, providing emotional support and a sense of normalcy amidst Martin's professional struggles. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Participates in Better Babies Week with Martin, weighing babies and making diet charts. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Leora is settling into Nautilus, content on her own, though Martin worries about her amusement. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Returns from Wheatsylvania and subtly warns Martin about his behavior without direct confrontation. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxii) Leora is Martin's wife, who feels neglected as Martin becomes more consumed by his work at the institute. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Martin's wife; listens to Martin's frustrations about public health work and his longing for research. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Leora finds a kindred spirit in Mrs. Tredgold, the first woman she can talk to about personal and domestic matters without being laughed at. She is initially nervous but eventually feels accepted. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Leora finds acceptance among the Ashford Grove Group, especially with Clara Tredgold, and reveals her secret desire to visit France. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxiii) Leora provides emotional support to Martin as he struggles with his professional identity. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Assists Martin at the fair, dressed as a nurse, and shares his frustration. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Supports Martin through the election night and later sympathetically acknowledges his feelings for Orchid. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Present with Martin at the station, witnessing Pickerbaugh's farewell. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxiv) Leora is Martin's wife, providing emotional support but also representing the domestic life that distracts from his research. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Supports Martin in the lab, sleeps on a table, helps with media preparation, and endures his late-night experiments. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Supports Martin by bringing coffee to the wrecking site. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Supports Martin through his difficulties, suggests moving on. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxv) Leora is Martin's wife, providing support as he navigates his professional challenges. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Consoles Martin and joins him in mocking the 'men of measured merriment'; begins French lessons and visits a hairdresser. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Leora tries to improve herself for Martin's sake, but feels inadequate among the Duers' set. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Expresses excitement about moving to New York after Gottlieb's invitation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Patient and practical, she waits for Martin and asks about their financial situation. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Dines with Martin at the Brevoort, sharing his excitement about the new life in New York. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Helps furnish the new flat and is captivated by Mrs. Holabird. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Attends the dinner with Martin, becomes furious at the superficiality and leaves with him. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Supports Martin through his intense studies, making sandwiches and listening to his frustrations, while quietly enduring the tedium. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Supportive of Martin, remains quietly understanding when he works nights. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/viii) Martin's wife; she taxes him with his lack of kindness, and he is sometimes pierced by her unhappiness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Martin's wife; she supports him, buys fish for dinner, and comforts him when he wakes from a nightmare. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Provides comfort and protection to Martin during his episodes of fear and insomnia. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Initially supports the idea of a higher salary and new apartment, but keeps her feelings about the lost opportunity to herself. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Celebrates with Martin and Terry after the sale of Gladys the Centrifuge, sharing in their irreverent spirit. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Worried about Martin's safety handling plague germs; supports him quietly. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Insists on accompanying Martin to St. Hubert, arguing passionately that she must be with him; ultimately appointed as his technical assistant. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Travels with Martin, sharing his disappointment at the unglamorous departure. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vii) Traveling with Martin; also cold and seasick, but energetic and eager to share her guidebook. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/viii) Reassures Martin of her contentment with a simple life, gently rejecting his guilt-driven plans; expresses love and humor. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ix) Watches Martin sleep, vows to nurse him, feels the room is pinched, dreams of going to France with him. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Accompanies Martin to Blackwater, showing fear but also resolve. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Martin to St. Hubert, remains casual and observant. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Doubtful about the safety of Penrith Lodge but reassured by Inchcape Jones. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Leora is present at Penrith Lodge, struggling to manage the household with West Indian servants and limited supplies. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as having intended to wash Martin's shirt. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Listens to the midnight debates and attends the Special Board meeting from the back of the room. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as Martin's wife, waiting at Penrith Lodge; Martin reports his progress to her. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Helps Martin prepare phage at Penrith Lodge. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Left at Penrith Lodge; insists on joining Martin but is kept away for her protection. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vii) Martin's wife, mentioned in his thoughts as he worries about his fidelity and misses her. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii) Her still face is a haunting memory that restrains Martin from pursuing Joyce. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii) Martin attempts to summon her by telephone but cannot reach her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Leora is left alone at the Lodge, suffers from loneliness, forgets her phage injection, and dies of plague after being abandoned by the servants. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v) Found dead on her bed at Penrith Lodge, her body frail and still, after dying of the plague. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Martin visits her grave, mourning her absence and the simplicity of their bond. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Phantom of Leora haunts Martin on the ship. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as having died of plague. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned indirectly through Martin's thoughts of his work in St. Hubert. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vii) Deceased; Martin recalls her through personal belongings and memories. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/vi) Remembered as indolent and indifferent to decoration, she contrasts sharply with Joyce; Martin recalls her desire to sit before cafés in France. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i) Martin's deceased first wife; he recalls her with longing, contrasting her acceptance with Joyce's judgment. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/leora_tozer - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters