Lady Windermere’s Fan · Character
Mrs. Erlynne
A woman with a scandalous reputation and impeccable nerve, who talks her way into ballrooms and hearts while guarding a secret that could shatter the Windermeres.
major
Also known as Mrs. Erlynne Smiling, Mrs. Erlynne Rising, Mrs. Erlynne Ideals, Mrs. Erlynne Everything, Mrs. Erlynne L. Mrs. Erlynne Lady Windermere, Mrs. Erlynne Lord Augustus, Mrs. Erlynne Hurriedly, Sits L.C. Mrs. Erlynne, Crosses L. Mrs. Erlynne
First appearance: act i
As a major figure in Lady Windermere’s Fan, Mrs. Erlynne is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Mrs. Erlynne first appears in 0004 act i.
With Lord Windermere (psychological): He is blackmailed by her knowledge of his wife's secret past; he pays her to stay away from society. With Lady Windermere (family): Mrs. Erlynne is secretly Lady Windermere's mother, who abandoned her as a child; their relationship is fraught with hidden identity and sacrifice.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
5 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Erlynne sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Family
- Other
Character groups
- Central characters and catalysts
- Upper-class social circle
- Protagonist
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
In this scene, Lady Windermere reaches her emotional and psychological peak as she grapples with the devastati…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Lord Windermere
psychological · negative
He is blackmailed by her knowledge of his wife's secret past; he pays her to stay away… How this plays out →
- Lady Windermere
family · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mrs. Erlynne in act i