# Miss Dunstable — Doctor Thorne character guide

> Miss Dunstable in Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Dunstable, the great Dunstable, the great Miss Dunstable, Dearest Miss Dunstable

**First appearance:** 0015-xvi-miss-dunstable

## Snapshot

The great heiress of the ointment fortune, whose laughing black eyes and sharp wit make her the marriage market's most formidable prize.

## Who they are

Miss Dunstable is rich beyond anyone's need, and the countess and Lady Arabella alike scheme to marry her to their young men. Frank Gresham flirts with her half in fun and half to tease his aunt, only to find himself piqued that she laughs at him like a boy and corresponds meanwhile with his cousin George. She matters because she refuses to be merely a fortune: her good humor and clear sight expose the mercenary calculations of everyone around her.

## In the story

### [Frank Gresham's Early Loves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/vi-frank-gresham-s-early-loves)

Miss Dunstable is the wealthy heiress the de Courcys intend for Frank, though she is not present in the chapter.

### [Miss Dunstable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xvi-miss-dunstable)

The wealthy heiress arrives at Courcy Castle. She engages in witty banter with Frank, teasing him about love and courtship, and mentions having multiple suitors.

### [The Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xviii-the-rivals)

The heiress who is courted by both Frank and Mr. Moffat; she sees through their flattery and enjoys the game.

### [The Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xx-the-proposal)

Sees through Frank's insincere proposal, confronts him, and ultimately forgives him after he admits his true intentions.

### [The Donkey Ride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xxix-the-donkey-ride)

Corresponds with Frank, encouraging him to be true to his love for Mary; her letters influence his resolve.

### [A Morning Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xxxiii-a-morning-visit)

Mentioned as encouraging Frank's love for Mary and offering to help with financial difficulties.

### [How the Bride Was Received, and Who Were Asked to the Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/chapters/xlvii-how-the-bride-was-received-and-who-were-asked-to-the-wedding)

Attends as a bridesmaid, visits Mary after Christmas, and becomes a close friend.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/characters/miss_dunstable
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_thorne_se/characters