# Margaret Sherwin — Basil character guide > Margaret Sherwin in Basil by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Margaret, Miss Margaret, Miss Margaret Sherwin, dear Margaret **First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i ## Snapshot A beautiful linen-draper's daughter whose guarded charm and curious fixation on Basil's wealthy family conceal motives he cannot read, even as he marries her in secret. ## Who they are Margaret is the shopkeeper's daughter Basil weds against his father's wishes, agreeing to a bizarre year of probation before the marriage can be acknowledged. She listens hungrily to details of his family's wealth, dress, and habits, yet deflects every question about Mannion and keeps her own inner life sealed. Her elusiveness and the unsettling conditions surrounding her make her both the object of Basil's desire and the source of the novel's gathering dread. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _family_ Margaret is Mr. Sherwin's daughter, and he is deeply protective and controlling of her, often acting as a gatekeeper to her suitors. ### [Robert Mannion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/robert_mannion) _psychological_ Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions. ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _romantic_ Basil is secretly in love with Margaret, and their relationship is a forbidden, passionate affair that drives the plot. ### [Mr. Bernard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_bernard) _social_ Margaret and Mr. Bernard are acquaintances who interact at social gatherings, with Bernard showing a polite but distant interest in her. ### [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/the_doctor) _professional_ Margaret consults the Doctor about her health and emotional distress, and he provides medical and psychological counsel. ### [Clara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/clara) _rivalry_ Clara sees Margaret as a romantic rival for Basil's affection, and their interactions are tense and competitive. ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _family_ Margaret is Mr. Sherwin's daughter, and he is deeply protective and controlling of her, often acting as a gatekeeper to her suitors. ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _romantic_ Basil is secretly in love with Margaret, and their relationship is a forbidden, passionate affair that drives the plot. ### [Robert Mannion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/robert_mannion) _psychological_ Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions. ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _family_ Margaret is Mr. Sherwin's daughter, and he is deeply protective and controlling of her, often acting as a gatekeeper to her suitors. ### [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/the_doctor) _professional_ Margaret consults the Doctor about her health and emotional distress, and he provides medical and psychological counsel. ### [Mr. Bernard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_bernard) _social_ Margaret and Mr. Bernard are acquaintances who interact at social gatherings, with Bernard showing a polite but distant interest in her. ## In the story ### [Basil Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/basil) The woman Basil meets and marries, whose betrayal is central to the plot. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Seen at the window playing with a canary, captivating Basil with her beauty. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-viii) The object of Basil's intense affection, though she is unaware of his feelings. Her social position as a tradesman's daughter is the central obstacle. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Insists on the difference in rank as a barrier to Basil's advances, but shows signs of affection. ### [The Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-x) Discussed as the object of Basil's affection; her education and modesty are praised. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Basil finally gets to speak with her alone. She smiles and lets him take her hand, but speaks little. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Marries Basil, appears preoccupied and silent during dinner, but her beauty captivates him. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Shows intense curiosity about Basil's family's wealth and social status, especially Clara's dresses. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Appears uninterested in the conversation about Mannion and retires early due to a headache. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Shows little interest in Mannion and changes the subject when he is mentioned. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Shows willfulness and vanity; cries when remonstrated; indifferent to Mannion. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Appears pale and nervous upon Basil's return from the country, attributing her condition to the wintry weather. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Not present in the chapter but is the subject of discussion. She has gone to a party at her aunt's house, which upsets Basil. Her recent behavior has been variable, showing both affection and irritability. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Leaves the party early with Mannion, leading Basil to uncover her infidelity. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-i) Basil's wife, whose deceit and betrayal are central to his torment. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-iii) Revealed to be Basil's secret wife, the cause of his disgrace and his father's fury. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-iv) Accused by her mother of being guilty and unworthy to be Basil's wife; later refuses to see her dying mother. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-v) Mannion declares her to be guilty and describes her as inherently deceitful and without a strong mind or heart. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-vii) In a feverish delirium, she calls for Basil and speaks of undoing their marriage, revealing her guilt and confusion. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters