Little Dorrit · Character
Mrs. Gowan
Henry's proud, aristocratic mother who disapproves of his marriage.
minor
Also known as the Dowager Mrs. Gowan
First appearance: The Dowager Mrs. Gowan Is Reminded That "It Never Does"
Mrs. Gowan shows up with force in Mrs. Merdle's Complaint. The page is where that presence becomes real.
Feigns reluctance to her son's marriage to Pet Meagles, maintaining the pretense of sacrifice to uphold Barnacle dignity.
Mrs. Gowan first appears in 0047 viii the dowager mrs gowan is reminded that it never does.
In Mrs. Merdle's Complaint: Feigns reluctance to her son's marriage to Pet Meagles, maintaining the pretense of sacrifice to uphold Barnacle dignity.
Later, in A Shoal of Barnacles: Arranges the Barnacle gathering and remains herself, which does not improve Mr. Meagles's spirits.
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Character Web
7 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Gowan sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Minor Characters and Background Figures
- Circumlocution Office and Society
- Protagonist
+2 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt represents the story's dramatic climax because it depicts Arthur Clennam’s psychological nadir an…
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Mrs. Gowan appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Gowan unlock in the free preview.
See Mrs. Gowan in The Dowager Mrs. Gowan Is Reminded That "It Never Does"