Can You Forgive Her? · Character

Lady Monk

A scheming society hostess, once a great beauty, who plots to reunite her nephew Burgo with the married Lady Glencora.

supporting

Also known as Lady Monk

First appearance: Preparations for Lady Monk's Party

As a supporting figure in Can You Forgive Her?, Lady Monk is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Burgo mentions his aunt, Lady Monk, who he believes is encouraging his pursuit of Lady Glencora out of malice toward Plantagenet Palliser.

In the storyXXIX: Burgo FitzgeraldOpen this moment free

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Lady Monk presides over her London house with the confidence of a woman who has been a great beauty and remains handsome in her advanced age, a true scion of the Fitzgeralds of Worcestershire, of whom it was said there never was one who was not beautiful and worthless. She has striven hard to bring about a marriage between her nephew Burgo and the great heiress Glencora, and is not a woman likely to pardon those who foiled her. Her watchful presence in the early social scenes keeps the old attachment between Burgo and Glencora alive as a source of tension, threatening the Palliser marriage from within the drawing-room.

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See Lady Monk in Preparations for Lady Monk's Party

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Lady Monk sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended family, society, and minor schemers
Main love and political triangle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as the narrative shifts from personal drama to th…

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In the story

Lady Monk appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXIX: Burgo Fitzgerald
Burgo mentions his aunt, Lady Monk, who he believes is encouraging his pursuit of Lady Glencora out of malice toward Plantagenet Palliser. He expresses hatred for her, calling her a 'wicked old woman.'
Monkshade
Arranges the visit, introduces Burgo to Mr. Palliser, and warns Burgo about his behavior.
Preparations for Lady Monk's Party
Hosts the grand party and manages guest lists; reluctantly invites Mr. Bott to please Mr. Palliser and secure Lady Glencora's attendance.
XLIX: How Lady Glencora Went to Lady Monk’s Party
Hosts the party, remains in her room, and has arranged money for Burgo Fitzgerald.
How Lady Glencora Came Back from Lady Monk's Party
Smiles at Burgo's apparent reform, unaware of his true intentions, and watches the dancing from the doorway.
Lady Monk's Plan
Plans the failed abduction and then devises a new scheme for Burgo to elope with Lady Glencora.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lady Monk in Preparations for Lady Monk's Party

See Lady Monk in XXIX: Burgo Fitzgerald