# Polly Horton — Clarissa character guide

> Polly Horton in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Polly Horton, Mary Horton, Polly

**First appearance:** 0001-clarissa

## Snapshot

Another of Mrs. Sinclair's women, whose practical caution about the household's danger reveals how much the schemers have to lose.

## Who they are

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 against them would never leave if she could — a cold assessment that shows the women know exactly what they are party to. Her voice in the deliberations over locks, bolts, and vigilance makes the house feel less like a home than a siege.

## In the story

### [Letter 157: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-157-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Another niece; Clarissa finds her and Sally's behavior suspicious and overly familiar with Lovelace.

### [Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-159-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Another of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; mentioned as part of the household.

### [Letter 194: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-194-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Has asked Clarissa's advice on a courtship matter and will accompany them to the play, instructed where to weep.

### [Letter 200: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-200-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe)

Accompanied Clarissa and Lovelace to the play; mentioned as being moved by the tragedy.

### [Letter 201: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-201-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Visits Clarissa and reports her emotional state to Lovelace.

### [Letter 210: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-210-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

One of the nymphs attending the airing; makes remarks about the scenery.

### [Letter 211: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-211-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned as part of the household chorus that expresses relief and admiration for Lovelace and Clarissa.

### [Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-226-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Mentioned alongside Sally as having loved Lovelace and now promoting competitorship.

### [Letter 276: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-276-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Polly Horton is present at the street door, attempting to prevent Clarissa's escape.

### [Letter 277: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-277-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Another woman at the brothel; joins Sally in criticizing Lovelace's handling of Clarissa.

### [Letter 281: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-281-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq)

Another accomplice who initially joins the uproar but later admits the lady has been much injured.

### [Letter 336: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-336-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq)

Implicated with Sally in attempting to take Clarissa's possessions.

### [Letter 499: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-499-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq)

Present at Sinclair's bedside among the other prostitutes.

## Links

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