# Mary Matthews Porfer — In the Midst of Life character guide

> Mary Matthews Porfer in In the Midst of Life by Ambrose Bierce.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mary Matthews

**First appearance:** 0065-a-lady-from-redhorse

## Who they are

A jeweled hand reaches into a dead man's coat and draws out a mouldy pocketbook — Mary Matthews Porfer, whose beauty and ruin are equally documented.

## In the story

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

Doman's former sweetheart who married a gambler, was disfigured, and wrote a renunciation letter to Doman; later her letters ceased.

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

Her photograph is contrasted by Doman with the dead face of Scarry.

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

Mrs. Porfer's full name, revealed at her death; she is the same Mary Matthews who married Mr. Porfer.

### [A Lady from Redhorse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/chapters/a-lady-from-redhorse)

The narrator and letter-writer, reflecting on her past at Redhorse and her current feelings for Dr. Barritz.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mary_matthews
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters