# Mrs. Norton — Clarissa character guide > Mrs. Norton in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Judith Norton, Norton, Judith Norton, Mamma Norton **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot Clarissa's former nurse, whose steadfast loyalty makes her the one correspondent the embattled daughter can still trust with her heart. ## Who they are Mrs. Norton raised Clarissa and remains the family's conscience, a woman whose 'virtuous prudence' everyone acknowledges even as they resent her partiality to the fallen favorite. When Mrs. Harlowe writes to her, it is to a confidante who reads Clarissa's letters aloud and pleads her case to a household determined to hear nothing in her favor. Her position between the Harlowes' resentment and Clarissa's suffering makes her the quiet measure of how much mercy the family has left. ## In the story ### [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. Norton is summoned by the Harlowes to persuade Clarissa to marry Solmes. She attempts to advocate for Clarissa but is harshly treated by James Jr. and ultimately fails. ### [Letter 42: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-42-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Vindicated by Clarissa after Arabella reflected upon her as encouraging perverseness. ### [Letter 45: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-45-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned by Clarissa as a virtuous woman whose advice has influenced her resolve, and for whom she seeks continued favor from her mother. ### [Letter 59: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-59-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as having assisted Clarissa in writing the anonymous letter to Lady Drayton. ### [Letter 89: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-89-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as Clarissa's good mentor who taught her that affliction is the best school. ### [Letter 90: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-90-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Expected to arrive Tuesday to persuade Clarissa to comply with the marriage. ### [Letter 92: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-92-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned with concern as one who will be affected by Clarissa's actions. ### [Letter 125: Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-125-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Lovelace proposes fetching Mrs. Norton to attend Clarissa, but Clarissa fears embroiling her with the family. ### [Letter 127: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-127-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace advises Clarissa to send for her, but admits he would not allow her presence as it would hinder his plans. ### [Letter 179: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-179-miss-howe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Recipient of the letter; asked to discreetly approach Mrs. Harlowe on Clarissa's behalf. ### [Letter 180: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-180-mrs-norton-to-miss-howe) Writes to Miss Howe, heartbroken about the Harlowe family's stance and anxious about Clarissa's honor. ### [Letter 181: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-181-miss-howe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Recipient of the letter; a trusted confidante and former nurse to Clarissa. ### [Letter 182: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-182-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) The recipient of the letter, trusted confidante and former nurse to Clarissa, urged to keep the correspondence secret. ### [Letter 184: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-184-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as having been approached by Anna to intercede with Clarissa's mother, without success. ### [Letter 230: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-230-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the recipient of Clarissa's proposed annuities from her estate. ### [Letter 271: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-271-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned in the dream as Clarissa's beloved companion living happily on the estate. ### [Letter 300: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-300-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Recipient of Clarissa's letter; asked to provide news of the Harlowe family and to encourage Hannah Burton to come. ### [Letter 301: Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-301-mrs-norton) The writer; she shares her own history of affliction, offers financial help, and begs to attend Clarissa. ### [Letter 307: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-307-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) The recipient of Clarissa's letter, offering comfort and counsel; Clarissa forbids her from visiting. ### [Letter 308: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-308-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mrs. Norton shares her own grief over her son's severe illness and asks for prayers. ### [Letter 309: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-309-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Addressed as Clarissa's only soothing friend; Clarissa sympathizes with her afflictions and promises to remember her and her son in prayers. ### [Letter 360: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-360-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as having earlier advised Clarissa about Anna's remarks to the family. ### [Letter 361: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-361-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) The writer; she has been ill and her son is dangerously ill, preventing her from attending Clarissa. ### [Letter 362: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-362-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa expresses concern for her health and her son's, and wishes she could be with her. ### [Letter 374: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-374-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) The writer; she reports on her son's health, her own weakness, and her efforts to intercede with the Harlowe family on Clarissa's behalf. ### [Letter 375: Mrs. Norton, to Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-375-mrs-norton-to-mrs-harlowe) Writes to Mrs. Harlowe, seeking permission to share Clarissa's letter and advocating for family intervention. ### [Letter 376: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-376-mrs-harlowe-to-mrs-judith-norton) Recipient of the letter; Mrs. Harlowe advises her not to visit Clarissa or advocate too warmly, but sends her money for illness. ### [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) Recipient of the letter; Clarissa advises her not to intercede with the family without prior consent. ### [Letter 378: Miss Ar. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-378-miss-ar-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe) Mentioned as a favourer of Clarissa who believes Anna Howe's letters are unknown to Clarissa. ### [Letter 380: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-380-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-harlowe) Mentioned as a possible commissioner to hear Clarissa's story. ### [Letter 381: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-381-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) The writer; she expresses her affection for Clarissa and her hope for reconciliation, while also warning about Mr. Brand's private inquiries. ### [Letter 382: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-382-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Recipient of the letter; Clarissa thanks her for news of recovery and urges her not to visit. ### [Letter 391: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-391-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Mentioned as a kind and prudent friend whom Clarissa trusts to mediate on her behalf. ### [Letter 408: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-408-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) The author of the letter, expressing maternal affection and concern for Clarissa. ### [Letter 409: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-409-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Recipient of the letter; Clarissa's former nurse and confidante, whom Clarissa trusts with her papers and story. ### [Letter 429: Miss Arab. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-429-miss-arab-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe) Mentioned as having provided information about Clarissa's situation to the family. ### [Letter 430: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Miss Arab. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-430-miss-cl-harlowe-to-miss-arab-harlowe) Suggested as a more appropriate person to receive Clarissa's story. ### [Letter 431: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-431-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Writer of the letter; returns Clarissa's letters, expresses grief over her treatment, and advises caution regarding a male visitor. ### [Letter 432: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-432-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Reports a private visit from Mrs. Hervey and offers Clarissa consolation based on the intelligence gathered. ### [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) Recipient of the letter; Clarissa responds to her account of a conversation with Clarissa's aunt. ### [Letter 457: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-457-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Sends a long letter to Clarissa, which Clarissa is afraid to open. ### [Letter 459: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-459-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Attends the family meeting, pleads for Clarissa, and is rebuffed by James Jr. and Mr. Harlowe. ### [Letter 460: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-460-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Her letter to Clarissa is read after Communion, causing Clarissa to weep and sigh. ### [Letter 465: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-465-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-mrs-norton) Recipient of the letter; Clarissa addresses her as 'my dear maternal friend' and declines her visit. ### [Letter 475: Mr. Belford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-475-mr-belford) Clarissa has a letter ready for Mrs. Norton, which is sent via Colonel Morden's servant. ### [Letter 483: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-483-mrs-norton-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Writer of the letter; she has been received kindly by the family and is eager to visit Clarissa to comfort her. ### [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 the good woman Clarissa loves, who will be sent to her. ### [Letter 487: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-487-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Arrives at the house, collapses in grief, views Clarissa's corpse, and laments her loss. ### [Letter 495: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-495-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Cuts ringlets of Clarissa's hair before the coffin is closed; is extremely ill and attended to by Mrs. Smith's maid. ### [Letter 500: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-500-colonel-morden-to-john-belford-esq) Falls ill on the road and is left behind at St. Albans. ### [Letter 503: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-503-colonel-morden) Arrives with amended spirits, comforts the mourning mother, and shares Clarissa's posthumous letter. ### [Letter 504: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-504-colonel-morden) Stays with the inconsolable mother at her request. ### [Letter 507: Mr. Belford, to Mr. James Harlowe, Jun. Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-507-mr-belford-to-mr-james-harlowe-jun-esq) Beneficiary of the Dairy-house apartments and manager of the charitable fund. ### [The Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/the-will) Requested to reside at the Dairy-house and manage charitable funds. ### [Letter 508: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-508-colonel-morden-to-john-belford-esq) Absent from the reading by choice; receives bequest of clothes, thirty guineas for mourning, and recommendation as housekeeper. ### [Letter 520: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-520-colonel-morden-to-john-belford-esq) Preparing to enter her office as housekeeper at The Grove, though Morden believes she will not long remain on earth. ### [Postscript Referred to in the Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/postscript-referred-to-in-the-preface) Described as worthy and made signally happy. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced in a note about Clarissa's letter to her regarding her turn of mind. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_norton - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters