# Mrs. Proudie — Barchester Towers character guide > Mrs. Proudie in Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mrs. Proudie Victrix **First appearance:** 0002-iii-dr-and-mrs-proudie ## Snapshot The bishop's wife, a cousin of an earl and a general in petticoats, who wins the diocesan war so thoroughly that her husband is merely her instrument. ## Who they are Mrs. Proudie presides over the palace with the confidence of a woman who knows she is the real bishop, dispensing patronage and snubbing the Signora Neroni with equal relish. She and Slope begin as allies and end as rivals, and their contest over Hiram's Hospital becomes the test of who truly rules Barchester. Her triumph is complete and her methods are merciless, making her the most formidable force in the novel's social world. ## In the story ### [Dr. and Mrs. Proudie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iii-dr-and-mrs-proudie) The bishop's wife; authoritative and despotic, ruling supreme over her husband and household. She is a religious woman who strictly observes Sabbatarian rules and punishes servants for Sabbath desecration. ### [The Bishop's Chaplain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iv-the-bishop-s-chaplain) Mentioned as a powerful figure who also covets the power and patronage of the see, and whom Mr. Slope plans to outmaneuver. ### [A Morning Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/v-a-morning-visit) Present in the bishop's study—a shocking innovation; interrogates Mr. Harding about Sabbath travel and asserts her social plans, including visiting Mrs. Grantly. ### [War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vi-war) Mentioned with disdain by Grantly, who uses a very improper exclamation about her; she is part of the new episcopal household. ### [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Commenced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/x-mrs-proudie-s-reception-commenced) Arranges the reception, measures out her favors to guests, and oversees the event with well-regulated grace. ### [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Concluded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xi-mrs-proudie-s-reception-concluded) Frustrated and angry, she confronts Mr. Slope for attending to Signora Neroni and feels her authority slipping. ### [Slope Versus Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xii-slope-versus-harding) Influences the bishop's decision, suggesting Mr. Quiverful as a more suitable candidate. ### [The New Champion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xiv-the-new-champion) Mentioned as originating the trash about Sunday-schools and sermons along with Slope; the archdeacon believes the bishop knows nothing about it. ### [Baby Worship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvi-baby-worship) Has committed the bishop to Quiverful by writing to Mrs. Quiverful, complicating Slope's plans. ### [Who Shall Be Cock of the Walk?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvii-who-shall-be-cock-of-the-walk) She firmly insists that Mr. Quiverful must have the hospital and rebukes the bishop for listening to Mr. Slope. ### [The Widow's Persecution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xviii-the-widow-s-persecution) Stations herself near the door to overhear the interview but remains unaware of the treacherous league formed against her by her husband and Mr. Slope. ### [XXV: Fourteen Arguments in Favour of Mr. Quiverful's Claims](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxv-fourteen-arguments-in-favour-of-mr-quiverful-s-claims) Initially welcoming to Mrs. Quiverful, but becomes sharp and businesslike upon learning of Mr. Slope's interference. ### [Mrs. Proudie Wrestles and Gets a Fall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxvi-mrs-proudie-wrestles-and-gets-a-fall) Returns to her husband's room to challenge his decision on the hospital appointment, but is defeated by Mr. Slope's influence over the bishop. ### [A New Candidate for Ecclesiastical Honours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxii-a-new-candidate-for-ecclesiastical-honours) Defeated in a previous confrontation with the bishop, she bides her time and reasserts her influence over him during the night. ### [Mrs. Proudie Victrix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxiii-mrs-proudie-victrix) Welcomes the bishop home with unusual warmth, having secured her victory over Mr. Slope. She begins to probe about filling the dean's place. ### [Ullathorne Sports—Act I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvi-ullathorne-sports-act-i) Arrives at Ullathorne with the bishop, making a grand entrance. ### [The Signora Neroni, the Countess de Courcy, and Mrs. Proudie Meet Each Other at Ullathorne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-signora-neroni-the-countess-de-courcy-and-mrs-proudie-meet-each-other-at-ullathorne) Finds a congenial spirit in Lady De Courcy; shares scandalous details about the Signora Neroni and laments Mr. Slope's disgrace. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Quiverful Are Made Happy. Mr. Slope Is Encouraged by the Press](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xliii-mr-and-mrs-quiverful-are-made-happy-mr-slope-is-encouraged-by-the-press) Arranges the letters to the Quiverfuls, pressures the bishop to sign the appointment, and later dominates the conversation with Dr. Gwynne, asserting her authority over church matters. ### [Mr. Slope Bids Farewell to the Palace and Its Inhabitants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/li-mr-slope-bids-farewell-to-the-palace-and-its-inhabitants) Triumphs over Mr. Slope, accusing him of improper conduct and asserting her authority in the diocese. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/liii-conclusion) Continues to influence the diocese but leaves the dean and chapter alone; her sphere is more extended than the cathedral city. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mrs_proudie - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters