# Mrs. Sinclair — Clarissa character guide > Mrs. Sinclair in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Mrs. Sinclair, Sinclair, mother Sinclair, widow Sinclair **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot The imposing widow whose London house is a brothel, and whose respectable front is the trap Lovelace springs on Clarissa. ## Who they are Mrs. Sinclair presents herself as a genteel landlady with nieces and lodgings, and Clarissa accepts her hospitality on that footing. Behind the facade she runs a house of women who read, entertain, and ensnare, and she watches her guest with the patience of a predator. Her masculine appearance and unctuous civility unsettle Clarissa long before the truth is named, and her establishment becomes the stage on which Lovelace's worst designs are executed. ## In the story ### [Letter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-154-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The brothel keeper, who along with her 'daughters' praises Clarissa's beauty and encourages Lovelace in his revenge plot. ### [Letter 155: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-155-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The widow landlady, described as having an 'odd winking eye' and overly studied respectfulness. ### [Letter 162: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-162-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Pressures Clarissa to accommodate Miss Partington, leaving in displeasure after Clarissa's refusal. ### [Letter 167: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-167-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Made a request for Miss Partington to share a bed with Clarissa, which Clarissa refused; Lovelace offers to resent her freedom. ### [Letter 169: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-169-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Referred to as a hypocritical figure; Belford condemns her role in the house. ### [Letter 174: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-174-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the brothel keeper who facilitates the removal of Clarissa's clothes into a chest with secret compartments. ### [Letter 178: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-178-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mrs. Sinclair appears briefly, offering chocolate to Clarissa, who rebuffs her by suggesting she take Lovelace in with her. ### [Letter 194: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-194-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Participates in the staged conversation and is part of the household where Clarissa is staying. ### [Letter 195: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-195-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Part of the conversation overheard by Clarissa; her remarks contribute to Clarissa's more hopeful outlook. ### [Letter 211: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-211-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Present during the scene; joins the household in feigned concern and praise for the 'happy couple.' ### [Letter 222: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-222-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Described as a villainous woman with no remorse; Belford warns Lovelace not to give Clarissa into her power. ### [Letter 225: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-225-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as the owner of the house; her cook-maid's carelessness with a book caused the fire. ### [Letter 228: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-228-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The brothel keeper; Lovelace curses her and recounts her blubbering account of Clarissa's escape. ### [Letter 255: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-255-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Has prepared for Clarissa's reception at the brothel. ### [Letter 256: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-256-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Confronts Clarissa aggressively, feigning offense at her insults, and helps prevent her escape. ### [Letter 259: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-259-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Referred to as the 'venomous spider' of the brothel, whom Lovelace fears will prey on Clarissa if he leaves. ### [Letter 260: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-260-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Proposed the drugging scheme to Lovelace; he curses her for possibly overdoing the dose. ### [Letter 261: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-261-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Clarissa expresses terror of her, calling her a frightful woman and asking not to see her again. ### [Letter 262: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-262-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Intercepts Clarissa at the street door and forces her back upstairs. ### [Letter 264: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-264-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mrs. Sinclair is involved in the interception and later expresses regret for having the 'skittish lady' in her house. ### [Letter 267: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-267-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Her cookmaid alerts Lovelace to Clarissa's escape attempt. ### [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 as the brothel keeper, contrasted with the more respectable-seeming mother H. ### [Letter 272: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-272-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as part of Lovelace's plan; he tells her he will leave at eight. ### [Letter 273: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-273-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Planted in the entry by Dorcas to block Clarissa's escape attempt. ### [Letter 276: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-276-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mrs. Sinclair is called in and confronts Clarissa, who is terrified of her; she is described as a 'dragon'. ### [Letter 281: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-281-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The brothel keeper who participates in the farce, puffing and blowing, but is later shaken by Clarissa's defiance. ### [Letter 289: To Mr. Patrick McDonald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-289-to-mr-patrick-mcdonald) Lovelace instructs McDonald to charge her and her nymphs to redouble vigilance over Clarissa's person and letters. ### [Letter 291: To Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-291-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Mistress of the house where Clarissa was held; involved in the high words. ### [Letter 293: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-293-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) One of the brothel keepers who detains Clarissa and fears ruin. ### [Letter 294: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-294-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as one of the brothel keepers whose household was deceived during Clarissa's escape. ### [Letter 314: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-314-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The brothel keeper, referred to as 'the dreadfullest woman,' who hosts the trap. ### [Letter 316: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-316-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Referenced as an execrable figure, possibly assuming a role in Lovelace's schemes. ### [Letter 330: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-330-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The 'cursed woman' who orchestrated Clarissa's arrest, to Lovelace's fury. ### [Letter 333: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-333-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) The brothel keeper who demands payment and threatens Clarissa; her behavior is condemned by Belford. ### [Letter 334: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-334-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Dismisses the action but is cursed by Belford and sent away crying. ### [Letter 396: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-396-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Implied as the 'cursed mother' whose den Lovelace threatens to burn. ### [Letter 416: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-416-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace curses her and the brothel crew for the arrest and mistreatment of Clarissa. ### [Letter 493: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-493-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Falls down stairs while drunk, breaks her leg, and lies in a burning fever with a mortification apprehended; seeks Clarissa's pardon. ### [Letter 499: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-499-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Lies dying in agony, howling and cursing, then briefly penitent. ### [Letter 511: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-511-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace blames Mrs. Sinclair and her 'hell-born nymphs' for Clarissa's fate, noting she has broken her leg and expressing a wish for her death. ### [Letter 514: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-514-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Her terrible death is recounted as a warning to Lovelace. ### [Letter 521: Mr. Belford, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-521-mr-belford-to-miss-howe) Died in extreme tortures and despondency, accusing herself for her role against Clarissa. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mrs_sinclair - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters