# Mrs. Harlowe — Clarissa character guide > Mrs. Harlowe in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mrs. Harlowe, Harlowe, Madam **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot Clarissa's mother, a woman whose genuine tenderness for her daughter is slowly crushed beneath the family's collective rage and her own fear of scandal. ## Who they are Mrs. Harlowe once defended Clarissa, saying no fortune could make Solmes worthy of her, yet she has been 'brought over' to the family's coercive plan. In her letter to Mrs. Norton she admits she must 'sail with the tide,' her own judgment joining the general resentment, even as she confesses a mother's tenderness would rather lose everything than lose her child forever. Her agonised wavering matters because it shows how even love can be enlisted in cruelty, deepening Clarissa's isolation. ## Relationships ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _family_ Clarissa and her mother have a strained familial bond, with Mrs. Harlowe often prioritizing family honor over her daughter's well-being. ### [Robert Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/robert_lovelace) _rivalry_ Mrs. Harlowe views Lovelace as a dangerous seducer who threatens her family's reputation and her daughter's virtue. ### [Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/lady_betty_lawrance) _social_ Lady Betty and Mrs. Harlowe are acquaintances who interact within the social circles of the gentry. ### [Sir Harry Downeton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/sir_harry_downeton) _social_ Mrs. Harlowe and Sir Harry are part of the same social network, likely sharing mutual acquaintances and concerns. ### [Mr. Goddard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mr_goddard) _professional_ Mr. Goddard is likely a professional advisor or servant to Mrs. Harlowe, handling legal or domestic matters. ### [Captain Tomlinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/captain_tomlinson) _social_ Captain Tomlinson is an acquaintance of Mrs. Harlowe, possibly involved in family negotiations or social affairs. ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _family_ Clarissa and her mother have a strained familial bond, with Mrs. Harlowe often prioritizing family honor over her daughter's well-being. ### [Robert Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/robert_lovelace) _rivalry_ Mrs. Harlowe views Lovelace as a dangerous seducer who threatens her family's reputation and her daughter's virtue. ### [Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/lady_betty_lawrance) _social_ Lady Betty and Mrs. Harlowe are acquaintances who interact within the social circles of the gentry. ### [Sir Harry Downeton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/sir_harry_downeton) _social_ Mrs. Harlowe and Sir Harry are part of the same social network, likely sharing mutual acquaintances and concerns. ### [Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/clarissa_harlowe) _family_ Clarissa and her mother have a strained familial bond, with Mrs. Harlowe often prioritizing family honor over her daughter's well-being. ### [Captain Tomlinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/captain_tomlinson) _social_ Captain Tomlinson is an acquaintance of Mrs. Harlowe, possibly involved in family negotiations or social affairs. ## In the story ### [Letter 2: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-2-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mother of Clarissa and Arabella; Lovelace is noted to have been more solicitous of her opinion than of Arabella's. ### [Letter 4: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-4-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Attempts to restrain Mr. Harlowe during the violent confrontation and privately advises Clarissa to prevent further mischief. ### [Letter 5: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-5-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Has been very ill with a violent colic; Clarissa nursed her. ### [Letter 6: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-6-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Supports Clarissa's visit to Anna and defends her daughter's prudence against James's objections. ### [Letter 7: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-7-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Initially sympathetic but ultimately aligns with the family's demand for obedience. ### [Letter 9: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-9-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa's mother; Clarissa notes she may not have been consulted on the correspondence prohibition. ### [Letter 16: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-16-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Acts as the family's agent, urging Clarissa to comply with the marriage to Solmes, though with visible reluctance and tenderness. ### [Letter 17: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-17-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mrs. Harlowe conveys her husband's anger, pressures Clarissa to comply, and takes Clarissa's letters to Lovelace for review. ### [Letter 18: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-18-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Appears cold and solemn, rebukes Clarissa for supposed sullenness and perverseness, yet shows a momentary softening before dismissing her. ### [Letter 19: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-19-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa's mother, who is distressed by the family conflict and plans a private talk with Clarissa. ### [Letter 20: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-20-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mrs. Harlowe acts as the family's envoy, delivering the ultimatum and pleading with Clarissa to yield, but she is caught between her husband's demands and her daughter's resistance. ### [Letter 21: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-21-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Initially stern but shows moments of tenderness; she ultimately sides with the family, ordering Clarissa to behave civilly to Mr. Solmes and later confining her. ### [Letter 24: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-24-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as having given up on Clarissa after pleading for her, now supporting the confinement. ### [Letter 25: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-25-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Writes a harsh letter to Clarissa, refusing to intervene and blaming her for the family discord. ### [Letter 28: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-28-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Defended by Clarissa as a meek wife who yields to her husband's affliction and love. ### [Letter 30: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-30-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Returns Lovelace's bow at church, drawing family anger. ### [Letter 36: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-36-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Noted as being engaged against Clarissa contrary to her own judgment, according to Lovelace. ### [Letter 39: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-39-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mrs. Harlowe speaks to Mrs. Norton about Clarissa's obstinacy, but is silenced by others when she suggests the family's methods may have been too harsh. ### [Letter 41: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-41-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Writes a condescending letter to Clarissa urging compliance; attempts to intercede gently but is overruled by her husband. ### [Letter 47: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-47-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Pitied for her submissive will and artful letter; Anna suggests she has been overpowered by the family's harshness. ### [Letter 51: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-51-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Endorses James's letter to Clarissa, urging her to read it with proper temper and duty. ### [Letter 54: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-54-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Sends a brief, tear-stained reply to Clarissa, forbidding further addresses and defending the family's authority. ### [Letter 85: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-85-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as part of the family assembly that will pressure Clarissa to sign the marriage articles. ### [Letter 112: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-112-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as Clarissa's 'ever dear and excellent mother' who supports her request for clothes and money. ### [Letter 144: Mrs. Hervey, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-144-mrs-hervey-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Clarissa's mother; fainted from the shock of Clarissa's elopement. ### [Letter 151: From Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-151-from-miss-howe) Reported to have resolved to exert herself to end family feuds and support Clarissa, but her efforts were preempted by Clarissa's elopement. ### [Letter 179: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-179-miss-howe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Target of the secret approach; Anna hopes her influence will help reconcile Clarissa with her family. ### [Letter 180: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-180-mrs-norton-to-miss-howe) Has written a most affecting letter to Mrs. Norton, but it is kept confidential. ### [Letter 181: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-181-miss-howe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Mentioned as a mother who is pitied by Mrs. Norton but not by Anna; criticized for failing to show maternal love. ### [Letter 182: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-182-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Writes a heart-wrenching letter to Mrs. Norton, torn between maternal love and family duty, ultimately refusing to advocate for Clarissa. ### [Letter 289: To Mr. Patrick McDonald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-289-to-mr-patrick-mcdonald) Lovelace plans to hint at her secret engagement to touch Clarissa, though the engagement is fabricated. ### [Letter 307: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-307-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Clarissa hopes Mrs. Norton's mediation with her mother might help revoke her father's curse. ### [Letter 356: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-356-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-howe) Writes to Mrs. Howe, expressing distress over Clarissa's actions and complaining of Miss Howe's liberties. ### [Letter 357: Mrs. Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-357-mrs-howe) Recipient of the letter; addressed as part of the afflicted Harlowe family. ### [Letter 363: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Arabella Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-363-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-arabella-harlowe) Mentioned with gratitude for sending Clarissa her clothes. ### [Letter 375: Mrs. Norton, to Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-375-mrs-norton-to-mrs-harlowe) Addressee of the letter; Mrs. Norton appeals to her for authority and advice regarding Clarissa. ### [Letter 376: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-376-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Writes to Mrs. Norton, torn between maternal love and family duty; she secretly longs to see Clarissa's letter but dares not defy her husband. ### [Letter 377: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-377-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Mentioned with longing; Clarissa wishes to see her mother once more. ### [Letter 379: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-379-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Imagined by Clarissa as sorrowing and burdened by her daughter's disgrace, yet still a model of virtue. ### [Letter 381: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-381-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Clarissa's mother; Mrs. Norton reports that she is inclined to show maternal tenderness and has privately sent five guineas. ### [Letter 382: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-382-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Mentioned as having rejected Mrs. Norton's offer to enclose Clarissa's letter; Clarissa doubts her mother can act independently. ### [Letter 393: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Her Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-393-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-her-mother) The recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa addresses her as her 'angry and just judge' and begs for her pardon. ### [Letter 402: Mr. John Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-402-mr-john-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe) Mentioned as unable or not permitted to write; her heart is broken by Clarissa's actions. ### [Letter 406: Mr. Antony Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-406-mr-antony-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe) Described as having a heart 'too full of grief' to ask the shameful question. ### [Letter 407: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Antony Harlowe, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-407-miss-cl-harlowe-to-antony-harlowe-esq) Mentioned as the mother to whom Clarissa wrote, though her application brought reproach. ### [Letter 409: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-409-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Clarissa laments her mother's lack of private communication and feels she has been turned over to masculine spirits. ### [Letter 433: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-433-miss-cl-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Mentioned as having joined against Clarissa contrary to her own inclinations. ### [Letter 459: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-459-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Weeps for Clarissa but is constrained by her husband and son; privately expresses some hope for reconciliation. ### [Letter 484: Miss Arab. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-484-miss-arab-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe) Mentioned as willing to travel to town to visit Clarissa if the letter is well received. ### [Letter 488: To the Ever-Honoured Jas. Harlowe, Sen. Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-488-to-the-ever-honoured-jas-harlowe-sen-esq) Clarissa's mother, mentioned in the prayer for future felicity. ### [Letter 489: To the Ever-Honoured Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-489-to-the-ever-honoured-mrs-harlowe) The recipient of the letter, addressed with reverence and gratitude as Clarissa implores her pardon. ### [Letter 500: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-500-colonel-morden-to-john-belford-esq) Inconsolable mother who laments her passivity and loss. ### [Letter 502: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-502-colonel-morden) Present at the mournful breakfast, says she shall never know rest again. ### [Letter 503: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-503-colonel-morden) Overwhelmed with grief, she blames herself for acquiescing to the family's harshness. ### [Letter 518: To Col. Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-518-to-col-morden) Clarissa's mother, whom she hopes Colonel Morden will comfort and reconcile. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/conclusion) Dies about two and a half years after Clarissa, comforted by the hope of reunion with her daughter. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_harlowe - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters