# Lady Audley — Lady Audley’s Secret character guide > Lady Audley in Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Audley, Lucy Audley, Lucy, Miss Lucy Graham, Lucy Graham, Miss Graham, the late Miss Lucy Graham **First appearance:** 0000-i-lucy ## Snapshot A governess-turned-baronet's-wife whose doll-like beauty and infectious charm conceal a past she will do anything to keep buried. ## Who they are Lucy Graham rises from a village surgeon's household to mistress of Audley Court, adored by her husband and beloved by the poor, yet coldly resisted by her stepdaughter Alicia. Her terror of growing old, her restless need for admiration, and her uncanny ability to smile through accusation mark her as a woman playing a part she cannot afford to drop. When Robert Audley begins asking questions, her bright defiance becomes the story's most dangerous weapon. ## Relationships ### [Robert Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/robert_audley) _rivalry_ Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance. ### [Phoebe Marks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/phoebe_marks) _professional_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/sir_michael_audley) _romantic_ Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him. ### [George Talboys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/george_talboys) _family_ George was Lady Audley's first husband, whom she abandoned and later attempted to murder to secure her new life. ### [Alicia Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/alicia_audley) _rivalry_ Alicia resents Lady Audley for replacing her mother and for her manipulative hold over Sir Michael. ### [Mrs. Plowson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/mrs_plowson) _social_ Mrs. Plowson was Lady Audley's landlady during her time as Helen Talboys, unknowingly hosting her secret past. ### [Helen Talboys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/helen_talboys) _psychological_ Helen Talboys is Lady Audley's former identity, which she desperately tries to erase through lies and crime. ### [Robert Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/robert_audley) _rivalry_ Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance. ### [Phoebe Marks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/phoebe_marks) _professional_ Phoebe is Lady Audley's maid and confidante, but their relationship is built on Lady Audley's manipulation and Phoebe's fear. ### [Robert Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/robert_audley) _rivalry_ Robert becomes Lady Audley's primary antagonist as he investigates her past and her connection to George's disappearance. ### [Sir Michael Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/sir_michael_audley) _romantic_ Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him. ### [Sir Michael Audley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/sir_michael_audley) _romantic_ Lady Audley marries Sir Michael for his wealth and status, feigning love while secretly manipulating him. ## In the story ### [Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/iii-hidden-relics) Absent from the house; her private apartments and secret drawer are explored. ### [In the First Page of the Times](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/vii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/x-missing) Mentioned as Sir Michael's young wife; Robert plans to make her acquaintance. ### [XI: The Mark Upon My Lady’s Wrist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xiii-troubled-dreams) Appears in Robert's dream, where her golden ringlets transform into serpents, symbolizing her hidden secrets. ### [XIV: Phoebe's Suitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xix-the-writing-in-the-book) Travels to London, claiming to settle a milliner's bill; Robert suspects her motives. ### [XXV: Retrograde Investigation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxvi-so-far-and-no-farther) Referred to as Miss Graham; her past is being uncovered by Robert. ### [XXVIII: Hidden in the Grave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxix-in-the-lime-walk) Defiantly faces Robert's accusations, threatens him, and reveals her desperation and potential madness. ### [XXX: Preparing the Ground](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxvii-buried-alive) Confesses to murdering George Talboys; is taken to an asylum in Villebrumeuse and refuses to repent. ### [Ghost-Haunted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters/lady_audley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/characters