# Miss Charlotte Montague — Clarissa character guide

> Miss Charlotte Montague in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Charlotte Montague, Charlotte Montague, Charlotte, Miss Montague

**First appearance:** 0001-clarissa

## Snapshot

Lovelace's cousin, a young woman of acknowledged virtue whose good opinion he courts almost as carefully as he courts Clarissa's.

## Who they are

Charlotte Montague moves in the same genteel circle as the Harlowe family and is repeatedly invoked by Lovelace as a witness to his respectability — the kind of cousin a man produces when he wants a woman to believe his intentions are serious. She is spoken of as virtuous, which makes her useful to him and dangerous to his schemes at the same time, since her actual presence would expose the gap between the marriage he promises and the one he intends. Her name functions in the early letters as a kind of social collateral, and the reader watches to see whether she will ever be called upon to make good on it.

## In the story

### [Letter 88: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-88-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Mentioned as unable to attend Clarissa due to a cold and sore throat, but intended to accompany her.

### [Letter 122: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-122-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Writes a sprightly letter congratulating Lovelace and expressing eagerness to meet Clarissa.

### [Letter 124: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-124-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Mentioned as a possible companion for Clarissa on a journey to Florence, though Clarissa doubts the feasibility.

### [Letter 127: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-127-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Her letters are mentioned as having arrived via Mrs. Greme.

### [Letter 170: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-170-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as a possible motive for Belford's interference; Lovelace threatens to tell her of Belford's views.

### [Letter 190: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-190-lord-m-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as the one to whom Lovelace told that delays are on Clarissa's side.

### [Letter 203: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-203-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Writes a letter to Lovelace expressing family support and plans to visit Clarissa.

### [Letter 204: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-204-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Her letter in Lovelace's favor has a happy effect on Clarissa.

### [Letter 206: Lord M. to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-206-lord-m-to-robert-lovelace-esq)

Mentioned as joining in compliments to Clarissa.

### [Letter 255: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-255-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Impersonated by Johanetta Golding in Lovelace's scheme.

### [Letter 256: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-256-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Allegedly ill to excuse the lack of a coach; part of the ruse to keep Clarissa in the house.

### [Letter 263: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-263-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as part of Lovelace's scheme; Clarissa now doubts her authenticity.

### [Letter 285: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-285-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned briefly as one of Lovelace's 'noble' relations, in contrast to others he accuses of scheming for Lord M.'s wealth.

### [Letter 302: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-302-miss-cl-harlowe-to-lady-betty-lawrance)

Mentioned as possibly having accompanied Lady Betty to Reading and Hampstead.

### [Letter 303: Lady Betty Lawrance, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-303-lady-betty-lawrance-to-miss-cl-harlowe)

Quoted in the letter regarding Lovelace's inconsistent claims about his relationship with Clarissa.

### [Letter 306: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-306-miss-cl-harlowe-to-lady-betty-lawrance)

Mentioned as one of the ladies impersonated to betray Clarissa.

### [Letter 312: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-312-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Impersonated by an impostor who joins in urging Clarissa to forgive Lovelace.

### [Letter 314: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-314-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Impersonated by a woman who accompanies the false Lady Betty in the plot.

### [Letter 321: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-321-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace's cousin; he flirts with her and makes suggestive remarks, which she pretends to resent.

### [Letter 322: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-322-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace's cousin Charlotte is mentioned as being late to breakfast, prompting Lovelace's irritation and his decision to leave before she comes down.

### [Letter 323: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-323-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Asks if Lovelace would do justice by marrying Clarissa; expresses the family's wish for the alliance.

### [Letter 324: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-324-mr-lovelace)

Criticizes Lovelace's violent language and participates in the family conference.

### [Letter 325: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-325-mr-lovelace)

Proposes to visit Miss Howe to negotiate a reconciliation, and is tasked with beginning the treaty.

### [Letter 326: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-326-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

To set out with Miss Patty Montague to Mrs. Howe's to engage Miss Howe's help.

### [Letter 327: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-327-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe)

Visits Anna with her sister to convey the family's proposal for Clarissa's protection and marriage.

### [Letter 329: Miss Howe, to Miss Charlotte Montague](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-329-miss-howe-to-miss-charlotte-montague)

Recipient of the letter; asked to provide information about Clarissa.

### [Letter 331: Miss Charlotte Montague, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-331-miss-charlotte-montague-to-miss-howe-m-hall)

Author of the letter, expressing distress and reassurance about Clarissa's safety.

### [Letter 332: Miss Montague, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-332-miss-montague-to-miss-howe)

Primary author of the letter; reports on the family's tour and Lovelace's reaction.

### [Letter 359: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-359-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

One of the Misses Montague who visited Clarissa with proposals from the Lovelace family.

### [Letter 372: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-372-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe)

Recipient of Clarissa's letter sent by Anna.

### [Letter 373: Miss Howe, to the Two Misses Montague](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-373-miss-howe-to-the-two-misses-montague)

One of the recipients of the letter, part of the worthy house that holds Clarissa in high esteem.

### [Letter 383: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-383-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace's cousin; writes a letter to Clarissa on his behalf, which he approves and encloses.

### [Letter 384: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-384-miss-montague-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe)

The writer of the letter, who pleads on behalf of the family for Clarissa to forgive Lovelace and become their kinswoman.

### [Letter 386: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Montague](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-386-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-montague)

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa addresses her with respect and gratitude.

### [Letter 387: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-387-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq)

Clarissa encloses a letter from her, which she has answered, rejecting Lovelace's suit.

### [Letter 394: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-394-miss-montague-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe)

Writes the letter on behalf of the family, expressing their support and offering financial assistance to Clarissa.

### [Letter 395: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-395-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace's cousin; her letter to Clarissa prompted the reply that has angered Lovelace.

### [Letter 397: Mr. Lovelace to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-397-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe)

Mentioned as one of Lord M.'s sisters whom Lovelace despises.

### [Letter 398: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Lord M. and to the Ladies of His House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-398-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-lord-m-and-to-the-ladies-of-his-house)

One of the ladies of Lord M.'s house; Clarissa addresses her and others in the letter.

### [Letter 412: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-412-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as the recipient of Miss Howe's transcription about Clarissa.

### [Letter 510: Miss Montague, to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-510-miss-montague-to-john-belford-esq-m-hall)

Writes to Belford on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, conveying their grief and plans to hasten Lovelace's foreign tour.

### [Letter 512: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-512-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as having transcribed Lovelace's previous letter without his knowledge.

### [Letter 513: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-513-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace suspects she and Belford have been in league together.

### [Letter 515: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-515-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Interrupts Lovelace's case, arguing that theft of honour is worse than murder.

### [Letter 516: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-516-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Jokingly suggested by Lovelace as a potential wife for Belford, though he dismisses the idea due to Belford's appearance.

### [Letter 530: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-530-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace writes to her as a way to communicate with all his relations.

### [Letter 534: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-534-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Lovelace mentions writing to her separately.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/miss_charlotte_montague
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters