Clarissa · Character

Sally Martin

One of Mrs. Sinclair's women, sharp-tongued and watchful, who helps stage the fire and keeps Clarissa from the door.

supporting

Also known as Sally Martin, Sarah Martin, Sally, Martin

First appearance: clarissa

As a supporting figure in Clarissa, Sally Martin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the women of the house, she is struck by Clarissa's beauty and quotes Dryden in admiration.

In the storyLetter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.Open this moment free

See Sally Martin in Letter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.Book page

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Sally Martin is a fixture of the London house, part of the company that surrounds Clarissa with false cheer and false alarms. She is quick to calculate consequences — she reasons coolly about what a man who has committed 'the vilest of rapes' must do to save himself — and her vigilance is one of the bars between Clarissa and escape. Her presence turns the drawing-room into a surveillance chamber, and her voice is one of the many that make Clarissa feel she is surrounded by enemies wearing the manners of friends.

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Character Web

25 connections

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Narrative 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…

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In the story

Sally Martin appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Letter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of the women of the house, she is struck by Clarissa's beauty and quotes Dryden in admiration.
Letter 157: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe
One of the widow's nieces; Clarissa notes her jealousy and discomfort with her behavior.
Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of Mrs. Sinclair's nieces; praised by Clarissa for her views on marriage.
Letter 194: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Involved in the overheard conversation, praising Clarissa's purity and discussing her own quarrel with a woollen-draper.
Letter 195: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe
Expresses herself handsomely about Clarissa in the overheard conversation, leading Clarissa to soften her earlier judgment.
Letter 198: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of the 'three ready writers' who helped copy the letters; adds a prayer for Miss Howe to come to London.
Letter 209: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Accuses Lovelace of intending to marry Clarissa; he dismisses her as impertinent.
Letter 210: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of the nymphs attending the airing; praises Lovelace's letters.
Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Mentioned as rejoicing in the thought of Clarissa's 'hour approaching' the previous night.
Letter 264: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Sally intercepts Clarissa at the door and calls for help to prevent her escape.
Letter 276: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Sally Martin hurries in with Mrs. Sinclair during the struggle at the window.
Letter 277: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of the women at the brothel; mocks Lovelace and quotes Dryden, urging him to use force.
Letter 281: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
One of the sisterhood who joins in the mock trial and incitements, but later wavers when Clarissa reveals she is not Lovelace's wife.
Letter 293: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Partner in the brothel; shares concerns about legal consequences.
Letter 330: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Sent an exulting letter to Lovelace about finding and arresting Clarissa.
Letter 333: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Visits Clarissa in prison, insults her, and claims to have a prior contract with Lovelace.
Letter 336: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Attempts to steal a Brussels-lace head from Clarissa's belongings, showing her predatory nature.
Letter 416: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.
Attempts to mimic Clarissa to gain Lovelace's attention; he rebukes her for the insult.
Letter 493: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Visits Belford as a messenger for Sinclair; is shocked to learn of Clarissa's death, accuses herself and Polly Horton of instigating Clarissa's ruin.
Letter 499: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.
Visits Belford to bring him to Sinclair's bedside; present during the death scene.

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See Sally Martin in clarissa

See Sally Martin in Letter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.