Framley Parsonage · Character

Mrs. Proudie

The bishop's formidable wife, who governs the diocese from behind his throne and lets no slight, however small, go unforgotten.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Proudie, the matutinal Mrs. Proudie

First appearance: Mrs. Proudie’s Conversazione

As a supporting figure in Framley Parsonage, Mrs. Proudie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Present at Chaldicotes, exchanges polite greetings with Mark.

In the storyChaldicotesOpen this moment free

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Mrs. Proudie is the real power in the palace at Barchester, a woman whose nod or cold recognition can make or unmake a clergyman's standing in the close. Where others let a scandalous newspaper article fade, she nurses it, and her displeasure follows Mark Robarts long after the county has moved on to the excitement of an election. Her rivalry with Lady Lufton over whose clergyman shall be properly managed shapes the clerical politics of the whole story.

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See Mrs. Proudie in Mrs. Proudie’s Conversazione

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Proudie sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extensive Supporting Cast
Financial and Political Entanglements
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs as Lucy receives Lady Lufton’s note, triggering an intense emotion…

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In the story

Mrs. Proudie appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chaldicotes
Present at Chaldicotes, exchanges polite greetings with Mark.
A Matter of Conscience
Makes Mark part of her party at Chaldicotes; her presence influences his social calculations.
Mr. Harold Smith’s Lecture
Tells the story of Mr. Slope's scandalous behavior, with some details whispered due to their impropriety.
Sunday Morning
Holds morning prayers and breakfast, interrogates Mark about his clerical duties and finances, and asserts her authority.
Gatherum Castle
Arrives at Gatherum Castle with the bishop before the main party.
Mrs. Proudie’s Conversazione
Hosts the conversazione, managing the event with an eye to economy and fashion, and engages in a subtle rivalry with Mrs. Grantly over their daughters.
Miss Dunstable at Home
Attends the party but disapproves of Miss Dunstable including dancing, which she sees as a violation of conversazione norms.
Internecine
Bitter rival of the Grantlys; she calls at Plumstead and exchanges barbed compliments, hinting at Lord Dumbello's wildness and the Duke of Omnium's influence.
Palace Blessings
Eagerly spreads the rumor of Lord Dumbello jilting Miss Grantly, using it as a moral lesson and directing Mr. Quiverful to preach on the theme.
Nemesis
Gives Fanny Robarts the coldest nod of recognition in the close, showing lasting disapproval.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Proudie in Mrs. Proudie’s Conversazione

See Mrs. Proudie in Chaldicotes