# Lady Monk — Can You Forgive Her? character guide

> Lady Monk in Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lady Monk

**First appearance:** 0047-xlviii-preparations-for-lady-monk-s-party

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [XXIX: Burgo Fitzgerald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxiii-monkshade)

Arranges the visit, introduces Burgo to Mr. Palliser, and warns Burgo about his behavior.

### [Preparations for Lady Monk's Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/l-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxvi-lady-monk-s-plan)

Plans the failed abduction and then devises a new scheme for Burgo to elope with Lady Glencora.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/lady_monk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters