# Miriam — Interim character guide > Miriam in Interim by Dorothy M. Richardson. **Role:** major **Also known as:** III Miriam, VI Miriam **First appearance:** 0001-interim ## Who they are A young woman whose consciousness is the novel's weather, she moves through London rooms and memories, finding summer happiness that no present season can supply. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Bailey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mrs_bailey) _psychological_ Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. Bailey, who seems to exert a powerful, controlling influence over her, creating a dynamic of obsession and manipulation. ### [Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/grace) _friendship_ Grace is a close companion to Miriam, offering support and loyalty, though their bond is tested by Miriam's darker involvements. ### [Florrie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/florrie) _friendship_ Florrie shares a warm, confiding friendship with Miriam, often acting as a confidante and source of comfort. ### [Dr. von Heber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/dr_von_heber) _professional_ Dr. von Heber is Miriam's physician, and their relationship is marked by professional care but also an unsettling personal interest in her case. ### [Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/eve) _rivalry_ Eve and Miriam are locked in a quiet but intense rivalry, competing for attention and influence within their social circle. ### [Mr. Mendizabal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mr_mendizabal) _romantic_ Mr. Mendizabal is a suitor to Miriam, and their interactions are charged with romantic tension and unspoken desires. ### [The Baileys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/the_baileys) _family_ Miriam is treated as part of the Bailey household, with a familial bond that is both nurturing and suffocating. ### [Mr. Bowdoin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mr_bowdoin) _psychological_ Mr. Bowdoin is a manipulative figure in Miriam's life, using her for his own ends while feigning friendship. ### [Miss Scott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/miss_scott) _friendship_ Miss Scott is a trusted friend of Miriam, offering a listening ear and practical help in times of need. ### [Christine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/christine) _friendship_ Christine is a close friend of Miriam, sharing secrets and emotional support, though their bond is occasionally strained by jealousy. ### [Sissie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/sissie) _family_ Sissie is Miriam's younger sister, and their relationship is protective and affectionate, with Miriam acting as a guardian figure. ### [Dr. Hurd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/dr_hurd) _professional_ Dr. Hurd is one of Miriam's doctors, and his interactions with her are clinical yet compassionate, showing genuine concern for her well-being. ## In the story ### [Interim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/interim) Reflects on the transient nature of life at the boarding house and her role as an observer. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/i) Feels conspicuous and out of place at the Philps' Christmas gathering; retreats into nostalgic memories of childhood toys. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with a cold and the changed atmosphere of the boarding house; agrees to teach Sissie French; reflects on New Year's Eve solitude and resolves to maintain inner peace. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/iii) Feels trapped by her role as a boarder and teacher, longing for intellectual freedom and cosmopolitan connection. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/iv) Feels a deep connection with Dr. von Heber, learns about the London medical world, and is thrilled by Eve's news. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/v) Visits Mr. Bowdoin's basement, feels disconnected and critical of the bohemian setting, later experiences a liberating walk through London. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/vi) Feels a new sense of independence and belonging at the Baileys' dinner table, but also resents Mrs. Bailey's familiarity. Enjoys a walk with Mr. Mendizabal, feeling a sense of freedom and companionship. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/vii) Reflects on her prayerbook, her past, and her feelings for Dr. von Heber; plays piano to hide from the Baileys. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/viii) Finds a new sense of peace and renewal in the summer evening, using the balcony as a retreat. Reflects on her past and the possibility of a different summer. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/ix) Reflects on gossip, her independence, and memories of Ireland; feels invaded by Mrs. Bailey's visit. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/x) Confronts Mrs. Bailey about Eleanor, defends her friend, and feels the crumbling of the house's old sense. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/xi) Wakes early, feeling buoyant and observant; discovers Eleanor's package and joins the breakfast scene. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/miriam - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters