# Harriett — Backwater character guide

> Harriett in Backwater by Dorothy M. Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** VII Harriett

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

Harriett writes teasing letters full of dances and love, a sister who refuses to let Miriam pretend she has become someone else.

## Who they are

Harriett Henderson is the sister whose cheerful, slangy letters arrive just when Miriam feels most blue, promising subscription dances and Gerald's ticket if she cannot stump up. She signs herself Harry and insists Miriam is just the same, no bally good pretending otherwise. Her warmth and refusal to be impressed keep Miriam tethered to the family self she is trying to outgrow.

## Relationships

### [Miriam Henderson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/miriam_henderson)

_family_

Harriett is Miriam's sister, and their relationship is characterized by rivalry, jealousy, and underlying familial affection.

### [Ted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/ted)

_rivalry_

Harriett and Ted are rivals for Miriam's attention and affection, creating tension and jealousy.

### [Gerald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/gerald)

_social_

Gerald and Harriett are acquaintances who interact primarily through their connections to Miriam.

### [Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/eve)

_friendship_

Eve and Harriett share a cordial friendship, though Eve is more aligned with Miriam.

### [Miriam Henderson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/miriam_henderson)

_family_

Harriett is Miriam's sister, and their relationship is characterized by rivalry, jealousy, and underlying familial affection.

### [Miriam Henderson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/miriam_henderson)

_family_

Harriett is Miriam's sister, and their relationship is characterized by rivalry, jealousy, and underlying familial affection.

### [Gerald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/gerald)

_social_

Gerald and Harriett are acquaintances who interact primarily through their connections to Miriam.

### [Ted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/ted)

_rivalry_

Harriett and Ted are rivals for Miriam's attention and affection, creating tension and jealousy.

### [Ted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/ted)

_rivalry_

Harriett and Ted are rivals for Miriam's attention and affection, creating tension and jealousy.

### [Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/eve)

_friendship_

Eve and Harriett share a cordial friendship, though Eve is more aligned with Miriam.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/chapters/i)

Miriam's sister; mentioned in conversation about clothing.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/chapters/ii)

Shares a bedroom with Miriam and helps prepare for the dance.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/chapters/v)

Sends a letter to Miriam with news of the Neville Subscription Dance and Gerald's offer to get her a ticket.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/chapters/vii)

Goes for a walk with Miriam and plays piano duets; discusses the difference of experiencing moonlight with Gerald versus alone.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/chapters/viii)

Part of the holiday group; appears cheerful and participates in the group photograph.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters/harriett
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/backwater_se/characters