Lady Arabella de Courcy

Mary Thorne

Lady Arabella opposes Mary's relationship with Frank due to class prejudice and Mary's lack of fortune.

Frank Gresham

Lady Arabella is Frank's domineering mother, constantly pressuring him to marry for money and status.

Old Mr. Thorne of Ullathorne

They interact as members of the local gentry, with Lady Arabella seeking his approval for social standing.

Dr. Fillgrave

Dr. Fillgrave is Lady Arabella's preferred physician, often used to undermine Dr. Thorne's authority.

Frank Gresham

Lady Arabella is Frank's domineering mother, constantly pressuring him to marry for money and status.

Mary Thorne

Lady Arabella opposes Mary's relationship with Frank due to class prejudice and Mary's lack of fortune.

Mary Thorne

Lady Arabella opposes Mary's relationship with Frank due to class prejudice and Mary's lack of fortune.

Old Mr. Thorne of Ullathorne

They interact as members of the local gentry, with Lady Arabella seeking his approval for social standing.

Dr. Fillgrave

Dr. Fillgrave is Lady Arabella's preferred physician, often used to undermine Dr. Thorne's authority.

Frank Gresham

Lady Arabella is Frank's domineering mother, constantly pressuring him to marry for money and status.

Old Mr. Thorne of Ullathorne

They interact as members of the local gentry, with Lady Arabella seeking his approval for social standing.

Dr. Fillgrave

Dr. Fillgrave is Lady Arabella's preferred physician, often used to undermine Dr. Thorne's authority.

The Greshams of Greshamsbury

The matriarch, concerned with social standing and the family's financial decline, often in conflict with her husband.

Dr. Thorne

Reluctantly allows Mary to join her daughters' music lessons, but is offended when Dr. Thorne insists on paying his share. Later opposes Mary after the locket incident.

Frank Gresham's First Speech

Kisses Frank after his speech, but is cold and angry during the toast, disapproving of his mention of Mary Thorne.

Frank Gresham's Early Loves

Lady Arabella is anxious about Frank's attachment to Mary and conspires with the Countess to send him to Courcy Castle to pursue Miss Dunstable.

VII: The Doctor’s Garden

Mary feels she owes forbearance to her, despite disliking her.

Sentence of Exile

Instigated by the Countess de Courcy, she confronts Dr. Thorne about Frank's offer to Mary and demands Mary's visits cease.

Courcy

Countess de Courcy; insists Frank stay at the castle before Miss Dunstable's arrival.

Miss Dunstable

Frank's aunt, the countess, orchestrates the introduction between Frank and Miss Dunstable, encouraging him to court the heiress for her fortune.

The Rivals

Advises Frank on how to win Miss Dunstable, but grows displeased when she becomes the target of their jokes.

The Proposal

Observes Frank and Miss Dunstable's interaction, trying to orchestrate a match.

Sir Roger Is Unseated

Agrees with the squire to keep Frank away from Mary Thorne; proposes a trip abroad for Augusta.

Retrospective

Lady Arabella is the one who banishes Mary from Greshamsbury, acting out of concern for Frank's future and social standing.

War

Confronts Dr. Thorne about Mary's influence on her children, but is rebuffed and leaves in anger.

Miss Thorne Goes on a Visit

Determined to wage war against Dr. Thorne, she forbids Beatrice from associating with Mary and pressures the squire to break off all intercourse with the doctor.

The Donkey Ride

Confronts Frank about his attachment to Mary, urging him to 'marry money' and threatening a broken heart if he disobeys.

Post Prandial

Angry with Frank for visiting Boxall Hill, she waits to confront him but is thwarted by the long father-son conversation; she plans to continue hostility toward the Thornes.

The Small End of the Wedge

Actively works to sever ties between Dr. Thorne and the Greshamsbury household; falls ill and reluctantly faces the need to recall Dr. Thorne.

Mr. Oriel

Mr. Oriel visits the great house ostensibly to talk with her, but uses the opportunity to court Beatrice.

A Morning Visit

Implied as opposing Mary's relationship with Frank; Beatrice mentions that Lady Arabella believes Mary is intriguing to be mistress of Greshamsbury.

A Barouche and Four Arrives at Greshamsbury

Reluctantly agrees to invite Dr. Thorne to dinner, motivated by Mr. Gazebee's persuasion and her own health concerns.

Sir Louis Goes Out to Dinner

Hosts the dinner, is somewhat distressed by Dr. Thorne's presence, and is dismissive of Sir Louis's attempts at conversation.

De Courcy Precepts and de Courcy Practice

Receives a letter from the countess about Amelia's engagement, showing her role in family affairs.

XXXIX: What the World Says About Blood

Lady Arabella is implied to be behind the exclusion of Mary from the bridesmaid list and opposes the marriage.

The Two Doctors Change Patients

Reconciles with Dr. Thorne and attempts to discuss Mary Thorne's future with Frank, but the doctor remains non-committal.

Doctor Thorne Won't Interfere

Discusses with Mr. Gresham how to prevent Frank's marriage to Mary; her taste for grandeur has declined due to financial misfortunes.

XLII: What Can You Give in Return?

Visits Mary Thorne to pressure her into breaking the engagement, using condescending language about Mary's lack of wealth; ultimately leaves feeling bested.

Saturday Evening and Sunday Morning

Orchestrates Frank's trip to London and confronts him with Mary's own admission that the match is imprudent.

How the Bride Was Received, and Who Were Asked to the Wedding

Overjoyed at the match, faints upon hearing the news, and works tirelessly on wedding preparations.