# Martha — Cranford character guide

> Martha in Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Martha—who

**First appearance:** 0000-i-our-society

## Who they are

Miss Matty's loyal maid and later married servant.

## In the story

### [IV: A Visit to an Old Bachelor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/chapters/iv-a-visit-to-an-old-bachelor)

Confides her wish for a follower; is granted permission to see Jem Hearn.

### [Old Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/chapters/v-old-letters)

Brings in the lighted candle and tea, interrupting Miss Matty's sleep.

### [Poor Peter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/chapters/vi-poor-peter)

Sent on an errand by Miss Matty to fetch eggs, and later returns, causing Miss Matty to hear a strange noise.

### [XIII: Stopped Payment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/chapters/xiii-stopped-payment)

Mentioned in the flashback as being beckoned out of the kitchen by Miss Matty while the postman ate.

### [XIV: Friends in Need](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/chapters/xiv-friends-in-need)

Passionately refuses to leave Miss Matty's service, offering her savings and loyalty despite the reduced circumstances.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/characters/martha
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cranford_se/characters