# Mrs. Beauchamp — Charlotte Temple character guide

> Mrs. Beauchamp in Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Beauchamp, the benevolent Mrs. Beauchamp

**First appearance:** 0021-volume-ii-xix-a-mistake-discovered

## Snapshot

A benevolent young wife who braves society's sneers to comfort a fallen girl, proving that compassion can cross the lines respectability draws.

## Who they are

Mrs. Beauchamp is Colonel Crayton's amiable daughter, married to Major Beauchamp and living quietly outside New York when Charlotte's melancholy figure in the neighboring garden moves her to pity. Though she fears the ridicule that follows any woman who pities a 'wandering sister,' she resolves to brave the world's contempt rather than withhold consolation. Her willingness to enter Charlotte's wretched apartment makes her the novel's living counter-argument to Mrs. Crayton's cold respectability.

## In the story

### [A Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-i-xvii-a-wedding)

Mrs. Beauchamp, Crayton's daughter, meets Charlotte and pities her upon learning she is Montraville's mistress, recognizing the goodness in her heart.

### [XX: Virtue—When Most Amiable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xx-virtue-when-most-amiable)

Observes Charlotte's melancholy and resolves to offer her friendship and compassion, despite the risk of societal derision.

### [Another's Woe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxi-another-s-woe)

Mrs. Beauchamp initiates a kind visit, offers friendship, listens to Charlotte's story, and promises to help send a letter to England.

### [XXIII: A Man May Smile, and Smile, and Be a Villain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiii-a-man-may-smile-and-smile-and-be-a-villain)

Mentioned as Charlotte's consoling friend at the chapter's opening.

### [XXVII: “Like a Fair Lily”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvii-like-a-fair-lily)

Mrs. Beauchamp is mentioned as having sent Charlotte one affectionate letter, and Charlotte longs for her consoling presence.

### [XXX: “Friendship a Name”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxx-friendship-a-name)

Mentioned as a potential source of comfort had she been present, but she is away.

### [Reasons Why and Wherefore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxxii-reasons-why-and-wherefore)

Moved by the surgeon's account, she immediately agrees to visit and help the dying Charlotte, demonstrating her humanity.

### [XXXIII: Which People Void of Feeling Need Not Read](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxxiii-which-people-void-of-feeling-need-not-read)

Visits Charlotte, arranges for her comfort, and witnesses her final moments.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/characters/mrs_beauchamp
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/charlotte_temple_se/characters