# Myra Babbitt — Babbitt character guide > Myra Babbitt in Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mrs. Babbitt, Myra Thompson **First appearance:** 0000-chapter-i ## Snapshot George's kind, diligent, thoroughly conventional wife, so habituated to marriage that she has become invisible even to herself, and to him. ## Who they are Myra runs the household, manages the towels, absorbs her husband's headaches and moods, and has long since stopped worrying about being seen in bulgy corsets. She is a good woman and a sexless one in Babbitt's eyes, a fixture rather than a companion, and the novel quietly measures how much of her life has been spent keeping the machinery of Floral Heights running. Her devotion, and the way it goes unnoticed, sharpens the ache at the center of Babbitt's restlessness. ## Relationships ### [George F. Babbitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/characters/george_f_babbitt) _family_ George's wife, whose conventional domesticity and nagging he finds stifling, yet she represents the security and social respectability he ultimately cannot abandon. ### [George F. Babbitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/characters/george_f_babbitt) _family_ George's wife, whose conventional domesticity and nagging he finds stifling, yet she represents the security and social respectability he ultimately cannot abandon. ### [George F. Babbitt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/characters/george_f_babbitt) _family_ George's wife, whose conventional domesticity and nagging he finds stifling, yet she represents the security and social respectability he ultimately cannot abandon. ## In the story ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-i) Babbitt's wife, who cheerfully calls him 'Georgie boy' and manages the household. He finds her cheerfulness detestable and resents her suggestions. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Cheerfully calls Babbitt to get up, combs her hair in the adjacent bedroom, and serenely questions him about using the guest towel. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Myra is described as mature and unselfconscious, going about her morning routine while engaging in a mundane conversation with George about towels, suits, and dinner plans. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as his wife, whom he follows after his moment at the window. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-ii) Myra is a passive presence, expressing sympathy she is too experienced to feel, and managing household details like Tinka's sleeve in the butter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Myra expresses sympathy through soft grunts, indicating a practiced but emotionally distant relationship with her husband. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Passively listens to Babbitt's complaints and expresses a timid desire to see the McKelveys' house, but is largely ignored. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-v) Mentioned as someone who would worry if Babbitt went ahead without her. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-vi) Supports Babbitt's views on education, worries about Ted's social life, and speculates about the propriety of Shakespeare. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Interrupts the men's discussion to criticize correspondence courses, later defends Shakespeare's propriety, and dismisses the idea of street harassment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Discusses Ted's behavior with George; is portrayed as a loyal but unfulfilled wife. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-vii) Sighs, puts away darning, looks at lingerie designs, and reads a story. She exchanges mild barbs with George about his lunch and diet. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) She sighs, lays away her darning, and looks enviously at lingerie designs, indicating her role in the household and her own desires. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Reads, responds to Babbitt's comments, yawns, and agrees to go to bed. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the recipient of Babbitt's discussion about the maid's failure to tuck in the blankets. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-viii) Anxiously prepares for the dinner party, managing flowers, table setting, and the hired help. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Assists in planning the dinner and debates the guest list with Babbitt. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Organizes the dinner, reminds Babbitt of tasks, and rebukes his behavior. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Defends Louetta Swanson's dress during the nagging exchange. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Initially cheerful about the party, then becomes protective and supportive when Babbitt reveals his distress. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-x) Accompanies Babbitt to the Rieslings' apartment; criticizes Babbitt's harshness toward Zilla and suggests the trip to Maine. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Calmly criticizes Babbitt's harshness and defends Zilla, revealing her perceptiveness. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xi) Myra joins Babbitt in Maine and makes comments about his behavior, reflecting the marital dynamics and expectations. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/v) Myra joins the vacation later and comments on Babbitt's late-night poker playing. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xii) Accompanies Babbitt to the movies; prefers films about wealthy New Yorkers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Babbitt is briefly kind to his wife for no particular reason during his spasm of righteousness. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Prefers films about wealthy New York society with handsome young women in elaborate frocks. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Supports Babbitt by maintaining silence during his writing and praises his finished paper. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Attends the rally and praises Babbitt's oratory, dismissing Verona's critical questions. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xv) Helps plan the dinner for the McKelveys and is nervous about the social outcome; later shares Babbitt's relief at not having to reciprocate the Overbrooks' invitation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the wife who would like to be 'Among Those Present' at high-society events. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Anxiously prepares the dinner and weeps afterward from disappointment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Present at the breakfast table when Babbitt reads the society column; later receives his venting about society. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/v) Accompanies George to the Overbrooks' dinner, shares his discomfort, and worries about social obligations. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Babbitt returns home to her, but she does not notice his transformed demeanor. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xviii) Defends Ted and herself against Babbitt's complaints, asserting her right to talk at breakfast. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Defends Ted and argues with Babbitt; advises Babbitt to tolerate the party's excesses to avoid social exclusion for Ted. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Babbitt complains to her about the children's behavior. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xx) Mentioned briefly as Babbitt's wife and as a point of comparison in his moralizing. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Accompanies Babbitt to the movies and chop suey restaurant, walking ahead with Zilla and chatting about cooks. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxi) Calls Babbitt to inform him of Paul Riesling's arrest. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxii) Shows horrified interest in the tragedy and moralizes about Paul, which angers Babbitt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Shows horrified interest in the tragedy and moralizes about Paul, which angers Babbitt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as being away from home; Babbitt is glad she is absent. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxv) Returns from summer absence; Babbitt dreads meeting her but performs his duty; she is a background presence, representing the domestic life he is ambivalent about. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Returns from her summer absence; George is sorry she is coming back before he has found himself. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Babbitt lies to her about a business trip to New York; she is seen waving from the train station. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Babbitt thinks of his wife and resents her contentment with settling down, fueling his desire for escape. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/v) Myra challenges Babbitt's liberal statements, reminding him of his usual conservative views and ultimately dismissing his words as insincere. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxviii) Receives a deceptive phone call from Babbitt about working late. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxix) Grows suspicious of Babbitt's behavior, leaves to visit her sister after New Year's, allowing Babbitt more freedom to pursue his affair. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Sensing her husband's detachment, she decides to visit her sister, leaving Babbitt with mixed feelings of relief and guilt. ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxx) Returns from summer lonely and suspicious; confronts Babbitt about his drinking and absences, initiating a marital crisis. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Myra returns from her summer away, expressing loneliness and a desire to be missed, which stirs Babbitt's pity and guilt. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Becomes aware of her husband's infidelity and begins her own quiet rebellion. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Pressures George to account for expenses, criticizes his habits, and expresses her own boredom with domestic duties; she persuades him to go with her to Mrs. Mudge's lecture. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Defends the lecture as inspiring; confronts George about his increasing rudeness and distance, expressing fear for their marriage. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxxi) Babbitt's wife, who is upset by his frequent absences and receives curt treatment from him. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Babbitt briefly reconciles with Myra after a flare-up, but in the movie theater he broods about being tied to her. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) At home, worries about the maid and is reproachful when Babbitt goes out again. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxxii) Confronts Babbitt about his evening out and his refusal to join the League; becomes the target of his frustration and guilt. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Confronts George about his evening, feels hurt and apologetic after his tirade. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iv) Pressures Babbitt to join the Good Citizens' League, citing social pressure from 'nice people'. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxxiii) Suffers from severe abdominal pain, diagnosed as possible appendicitis, and undergoes emergency surgery. Expresses fear and need for her husband's presence. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/i) Suffers from acute appendicitis, expresses fear and vulnerability, and finds comfort in her husband's presence during the crisis. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/ii) Recovering in the hospital, she enjoys the attention from friends and feels validated by the view that a 'Wicked Woman' tempted her husband. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/chapter-xxxiv) Worries when Ted is late; is horrified by the secret marriage and joins the family inquisition. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/iii) Babbitt looks forward to having the living-room to himself with her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/chapters/vi) Worries when Ted is late, discovers the marriage, and joins the family inquisition. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/characters/myra_babbitt - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/babbitt_se/characters