Downstream · Character
Laura
A divorced mother who turned self-presentation into a private religion, Laura hosts men's parties at Selamb while her son Georg grows up in the corridors outside.
major
Also known as Little Laura, Laura Flying Arrow, Mrs. Laura
First appearance: I: The Cry
As a major figure in Downstream, Laura is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Little Laura hides to avoid showing her tongue and is put to bed with the other young children.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Laura rebuilt her social position after the divorce by posing as a deserted mother, then discovered that the ladies bored her and that she preferred men, cards, and financiers to mothers' circles. Her dressing table is…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Laura sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Laura in I: The CryCharacter Web
34 connectionsA slice of how Laura sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Other
Character groups
- Selamb family core
- Extended social and noble network
- Minor workers and rivals
+29 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story’s dramatic climax because Stellan, after searching for Percy in a house that feels alien and…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Herman
romantic · positive
Herman and Laura share a deep, emotionally intense romantic bond, often central to the… How this plays out →
- Georg Hermansson
romantic · positive
- Hedvig
friendship · positive
- Herman
romantic · positive
Herman and Laura share a deep, emotionally intense romantic bond, often central to the… How this plays out →
- Herman
romantic · positive
Herman and Laura share a deep, emotionally intense romantic bond, often central to the… How this plays out →
- Georg Hermansson
romantic · positive
- Hedvig
friendship · positive
- Hedvig
friendship · positive
- Georg Hermansson
romantic · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Laura in I: The CryIn the story
Laura appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- I: The Cry
- II: The Robber’s Stronghold
- III: The Dance of the Crow Indians
- Peter the Watchdog
- V: Fear
- VI: The Two Fair Heads
- September Spring
- X: Laura's Marriage
- +7 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Laura unlock in the free preview.
See Laura in I: The Cry