Clarissa · Character
Polly Horton
Another of Mrs. Sinclair's women, whose practical caution about the household's danger reveals how much the schemers have to lose.
supporting
Also known as Polly Horton, Mary Horton, Polly
First appearance: clarissa
As a supporting figure in Clarissa, Polly Horton is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Another niece; Clarissa finds her and Sally's behavior suspicious and overly familiar with Lovelace.
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Polly Horton belongs to the small circle of women who keep Mrs. Sinclair's house running and who watch Clarissa with a mixture of curiosity and self-interest. She is the one who argues that a woman with such a handle…
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See Polly Horton in clarissaCharacter Web
21 connectionsA slice of how Polly Horton sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Minor characters and background figures
- Major characters and antagonists
+16 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Clarissa, desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
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Polly Horton appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Letter 157: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe
- Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- Letter 194: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- Letter 200: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe
- Letter 201: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- Letter 210: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- Letter 211: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
- +5 more
Chapter companion notes
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See Polly Horton in clarissa