# The Missus — Gullible’s Travels character guide

> The Missus in Gullible’s Travels by Ring Lardner.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Missus

**First appearance:** 0001-gullible-s-travels

## Snapshot

The Missus is the narrator's wife, a quiet strategist whose subtle signals and social grace steer her husband through awkward evenings without him realizing it.

## Who they are

The Missus plays rummy badly enough to lose seven-fifty, then smooths over the aftermath by graciously accepting Mrs. Hatch's invitation to the theater. She communicates with her husband through glances—a sign to stay out of the show debate, a look that warns him to hold his tongue. Her tact and social intuition keep the peace between the couples, and her presence grounds the narrator's wilder impulses in domestic reality, making her the silent engine of the evening's diplomacy.

## In the story

### [Gullible's Travels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/gullible-s-travels)

The narrator's wife, who is enthusiastic about the trip but also shares in the overall disappointment and misery of the journey.

### [Carmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/carmen)

The narrator's wife is excited about attending the opera and participates in the post-show discussion, praising the singers and costumes.

### [Three Kings and a Pair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/three-kings-and-a-pair)

The narrator's wife, who is actively trying to match Bess with Bishop and insists on including Bess in their plans.

### [Gullible's Travels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/gullible-s-travels)

The narrator's wife, who is eager to experience the high society of Palm Beach but is ultimately disappointed by it.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/i)

The narrator's wife, who is enthusiastic about the trip and insists on buying new clothes to look the part.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/ii)

Nervous about the train's curves and worried that Palm Beach may have become too common; she skips supper and naps in the afternoon.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/iii)

The narrator's wife, who tries to keep expenses in check and insists on sightseeing despite the narrator's reluctance.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/iv)

The narrator's wife, who is enthusiastic about the social scene and insists on visiting the Beach Club and dining at the garden grill.

### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/v)

Initially cries at the narrator's proposal to leave, then begs for three more days to meet someone worthwhile, and desperately tries to socialize with elite women.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/vi)

Initially quiet, she agrees to the boat trip and later laughs at the poor accommodations, agreeing to return home.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/vii)

Expresses joy at being home and plans to win back money in a rummy game.

### [Three Without, Doubled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/three-without-doubled)

A key companion in the narrator's travels, sharing in the discontents of their situation.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/i)

The narrator's wife, who reacts strongly to the phrase 'San Susie.'

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/ii)

The wife is excited about the social opportunity and lies about their bridge abilities to get into the club.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/iii)

The narrator's wife, who plays bridge poorly and is the subject of his jokes.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/iv)

Envious of the Hatches' bridge club and its social activities.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/chapters/i)

The narrator's wife, who plays poker aggressively and often loses, causing friction.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/characters/the_missus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gullible_s_travels_se/characters