Lady Audley

Robert Audley

Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance.

Phoebe Marks

Phoebe is Lady Audley's maid and confidante, but their relationship is built on Lady Audley's manipulation and Phoebe's fear.

Sir Michael Audley

Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him.

George Talboys

George was Lady Audley's first husband, whom she abandoned and later attempted to murder to secure her new life.

Alicia Audley

Alicia resents Lady Audley for replacing her mother and for her manipulative hold over Sir Michael.

Mrs. Plowson

Mrs. Plowson was Lady Audley's landlady during her time as Helen Talboys, unknowingly hosting her secret past.

Helen Talboys

Helen Talboys is Lady Audley's former identity, which she desperately tries to erase through lies and crime.

Robert Audley

Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance.

Phoebe Marks

Phoebe is Lady Audley's maid and confidante, but their relationship is built on Lady Audley's manipulation and Phoebe's fear.

Robert Audley

Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance.

Sir Michael Audley

Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him.

Sir Michael Audley

Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him.

Lucy

Introduced as the beautiful and charming governess Lucy Graham, who captivates everyone with her grace and fascination. She is the object of Sir Michael's affection and is being courted to become Lady Audley.

III: Hidden Relics

Absent from the house; her private apartments and secret drawer are explored.

In the First Page of the Times

Mentioned as the new wife of Sir Michael, described by Alicia as a 'wax-dollish young person'.

After a Year

Feigns illness to avoid hosting guests; described as childish, beautiful, and secretive; gives Phoebe a private commission; locks her rooms and travels to London with Sir Michael.

VIII: Before the Storm

Absent from the Court, having gone to London; her note to Alicia reveals her coquettish handwriting, and her dressing-room is left in elegant disorder.

IX: After the Storm

Returns from a walk, learns of George Talboys's visit, and orders Phoebe to remove his glove. Later, she is terrified by the storm but recovers by morning, appearing cheerful and playful.

X: Missing

Mentioned as Sir Michael's young wife; Robert plans to make her acquaintance.

XI: The Mark Upon My Lady’s Wrist

Dismisses Robert's concerns about George, tells a story about a ribbon causing a bruise on her wrist, and displays charm at dinner.

Troubled Dreams

Appears in Robert's dream, where her golden ringlets transform into serpents, symbolizing her hidden secrets.

XIV: Phoebe's Suitor

Discusses Phoebe's engagement, fears aging, and reflects on a story of a woman whose secret was revealed after decades.

XV: On the Watch

Inquires about George Talboys, listens to Robert's theories, and faints when he discusses circumstantial evidence.

Robert Audley Gets His Conge

Bids farewell to the departing guests with a mournful look; her interactions with Robert cause Sir Michael to request his departure.

At the Castle Inn

Mentioned as the recipient of Phoebe's secret note and as the former Miss Lucy Graham.

XVIII: Robert Receives a Visitor Whom He Had Scarcely Expected

Visits Robert at the inn, offering an apology; questions him about his investigation and later departs for London, prompting Robert to follow.

XIX: The Writing in the Book

Travels to London, claiming to settle a milliner's bill; Robert suspects her motives.

XXV: Retrograde Investigation

Defiantly meets Robert's gaze at Sir Michael's bedside, aware of his suspicions but confident in her position.

So Far and No Farther

Referred to as Miss Graham; her past is being uncovered by Robert.

XXVIII: Hidden in the Grave

Anxious about Robert's movements, she questions Alicia and is the subject of Robert's suspicions.

XXIX: In the Lime-Walk

Defiantly faces Robert's accusations, threatens him, and reveals her desperation and potential madness.

XXX: Preparing the Ground

Manipulates Sir Michael by feigning fear and embarrassment, twisting Robert's words to paint him as mad.

XXXI: Phoebe's Petition

Tormented by Robert Audley's pursuit; she complains to Phoebe and contemplates desperate actions.

XXXII: The Red Light in the Sky

Consumed by despair and defiance after receiving Robert Audley's letter; she considers extreme actions and walks to Mount Stanning, where a fire breaks out.

The Bearer of the Tidings

Locks herself in her rooms, contemplates poison, takes opium, and later dresses elaborately; she is in a state of extreme anxiety and restlessness, awaiting news.

XXXIV: My Lady Tells the Truth

Confesses to arson and murder, reveals her true identity as Helen Talboys, claims insanity.

The Hush That Succeeds the Tempest

Lady Audley, now exposed as Helen Talboys, is left prostrate after her confession. She is taken to her room, appearing calm but with a feverish desire to sleep.

XXXVI: Dr. Mosgrave’s Advice

Sleeps soundly after her defeat, dresses elegantly, and is interviewed by Dr. Mosgrave, who finds her dangerous but not legally insane.

Buried Alive

Confesses to murdering George Talboys; is taken to an asylum in Villebrumeuse and refuses to repent.

Ghost-Haunted

Though absent, Lady Audley's crime dominates Robert's thoughts; he now knows she murdered George Talboys and struggles with the implications.

XXXIX: That Which the Dying Man Had to Tell

Referred to as 'Helen' and 'Madame Taylor'; Luke kept the secret of George's survival to wield power over her, and Robert writes to inform her.