# Bella Coventry — Behind a Mask character guide

> Bella Coventry in Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Bella, Bell, innocent Bella, Dear Bella

**First appearance:** 0000-i-jean-muir

## Who they are

The Coventry daughter, romantic and trusting, who befriends the new governess with her whole heart and never thinks to ask what she wants.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_friendship_

Bella initially adores Jean as a close friend and confidante, unaware of Jean's manipulative intentions.

### [Ned Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/ned_coventry)

_family_

Bella and Ned are siblings who tease each other affectionately but share a close bond.

### [Sir John Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/sir_john_coventry)

_family_

Bella is Sir John's granddaughter, and he indulges her with affection and gifts.

### [Lucia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lucia)

_friendship_

Bella and Lucia are friendly, with Bella often confiding in Lucia about family matters.

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_friendship_

Bella initially adores Jean as a close friend and confidante, unaware of Jean's manipulative intentions.

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_friendship_

Bella initially adores Jean as a close friend and confidante, unaware of Jean's manipulative intentions.

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Bella is Mr. Coventry's younger sister, and he is her doting but often overbearing brother.

### [Ned Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/ned_coventry)

_family_

Bella and Ned are siblings who tease each other affectionately but share a close bond.

### [Lucia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lucia)

_friendship_

Bella and Lucia are friendly, with Bella often confiding in Lucia about family matters.

### [Sir John Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/sir_john_coventry)

_family_

Bella is Sir John's granddaughter, and he indulges her with affection and gifts.

## In the story

### [I: Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/i-jean-muir)

Affectionate and eager to welcome the governess; shows sisterly kindness.

### [A Good Beginning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/ii-a-good-beginning)

Warmly welcomes Jean, delivers flowers to her mother, and begins her lessons with the new governess.

### [III: Passion and Pique](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/iii-passion-and-pique)

Bella adores Jean and is devoted to her, spending much time in her study with the family, enjoying music, reading, and cheerful chat.

### [IV: A Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/iv-a-discovery)

Describes Jean as 'odd' and confides in Gerald about Jean's crying and mysterious sadness.

### [V: How the Girl Did It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/v-how-the-girl-did-it)

Enthusiastically praises Jean's performance and helps coordinate the tableaux, showing her admiration for the governess.

### [On the Watch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/vi-on-the-watch)

Observes Gerald's transformation and supports his new resolve, while also noticing Jean's distress over a white rose.

### [Suspense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/viii-suspense)

Comments on Jean's bride-like appearance; calls for Jean but is checked by someone.

### [Lady Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/ix-lady-coventry)

Clings to her mother during the confrontation; Jean offers her a kind word and thanks for past kindness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/bella_coventry
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters