Kim · Character

The Old Lady

A wealthy widow who hosts Kim and the lama at her estate.

minor

Also known as the old lady, the Sahiba

First appearance: viii

The Old Lady's tie to Kim is one of the pressures that moves Kim—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The old lady is mentioned as the priest's hostess, but does not appear directly in this chapter.

In the storyChapter IIIOpen this moment free

See The Old Lady in Chapter III Book page

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With Kim (friendship): The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating Kim with maternal affection. With Kim (friendship): The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating Kim with maternal affection. With Kim (friendship): The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating Kim with maternal affection.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of The Old Lady sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Old Lady in viii

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how The Old Lady sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Spymasters and Trainers
Protagonist

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Kim experiences an emotional and psychological peak of submission…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Kim
friendship · positive
The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating… How this plays out →
Kim
friendship · positive
The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating… How this plays out →
Kim
friendship · positive
The Old Lady is a wealthy and kind-hearted woman who shelters Kim and the lama, treating… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Old Lady in viii

In the story

The Old Lady appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
The old lady is mentioned as the priest's hostess, but does not appear directly in this chapter.
On the Grand Trunk Road
The imperious old lady travels in a curtained cart, freely mixing in conversation, abusing Brahmins, and cursing her servants. She insists the lama join her caravan.
XII
The old lady provides hospitality to Kim and the lama, cooking for them and offering blessings before they continue their journey.
The Woman of Shamlegh
The Woman of Shamlegh provides a litter and bearers, shows kindness to Kim and the lama, and is kissed by Kim in thanks.
Chapter XV
The Sahiba who nurses Kim back to health; discusses the lama's plans and provides hospitality.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Old Lady unlock in the free preview.

See The Old Lady in viii

See The Old Lady in Chapter III