Little Lord Fauntleroy · Character

Mrs. Errol

Cedric's young American mother, called Dearest, whose gentle dignity the old Earl cannot quite bring himself to despise.

supporting

Also known as Errol, Mrs. В Errol, first Mrs. В Errol, little Mrs. Errol

First appearance: II

As a supporting figure in Little Lord Fauntleroy, Mrs. Errol is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Cedric's mother, a gentle and loving widow who is distressed by the news of her son's inheritance.

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Mrs. Errol raised Cedric in cheerful poverty after her husband's death, and she teaches him the courtesy and kindness that make him beloved wherever he goes. The Earl refuses to receive her at the castle, so she lives nearby in quiet exile, never letting bitterness touch her son's affection for his grandfather. Her patience and self-respect gradually win over the estate's tenants and, more slowly, the Earl himself, making her the story's quiet counterweight to aristocratic pride.

See Mrs. Errol in I Book page

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Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Errol sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Other

Character groups

New York friends
Extended cast
Protagonist

+15 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
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the Earl’s internal reversal: his pride in Fauntlero…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Cedric Errol
family · positive
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated… How this plays out →
Earl of Dorincourt
family · positive
Mr. Havisham
professional · positive
Cedric Errol
family · positive
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated… How this plays out →
Mr. Havisham
professional · positive
Earl of Dorincourt
family · positive
Mr. Havisham
professional · positive
Cedric Errol
family · positive
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated… How this plays out →
Earl of Dorincourt
family · positive

Cedric Errol
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated when Cedric goes to England.
Earl of Dorincourt
Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence.
Mr. Havisham
Lawyer and client; Havisham respects Mrs. Errol and facilitates her son's inheritance.
Cedric Errol
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated when Cedric goes to England.
Mr. Havisham
Lawyer and client; Havisham respects Mrs. Errol and facilitates her son's inheritance.
Earl of Dorincourt
Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence.
Mr. Havisham
Lawyer and client; Havisham respects Mrs. Errol and facilitates her son's inheritance.
Cedric Errol
Mother and son; a deeply loving and protective relationship, though they are separated when Cedric goes to England.
Earl of Dorincourt
Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence.

Relationship notes

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

See Mrs. Errol in II

In the story

Mrs. Errol appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Cedric's mother, a gentle and loving widow who is distressed by the news of her son's inheritance.
II
Sorrowfully agrees to send Cedric to England for his future, despite the Earl's harsh terms.
III
Mrs. Errol is emotional about leaving their home, but comforts Cedric and accompanies him on the voyage to England.
IV
Gently explains the living arrangement to Cedric, declines the Earl's offered income to preserve her dignity, and asks that Cedric not be told of the Earl's prejudice.
VII
Attends church, receives respectful greetings from villagers, and prays for Cedric's happiness.
VIII
Receives a carriage as a gift from the Earl via Cedric; continues to guide Cedric with wisdom and love.
IX
Though not present in the chapter, she is frequently mentioned as 'Dearest,' whose charitable work and teachings influence Cedric.
Chapter X
Works among the poor in Erleboro; strategically tells Cedric about Earl's Court to inspire his intervention.
XII
Receives the Earl's visit, speaks with dignity and compassion, and is contrasted favorably with the claimant.
XIV
Mrs. Errol is at Court Lodge with Cedric when the Earl arrives to announce that Cedric's title is secure and to invite her to live at the Castle.
XV
Mrs. Errol is present at the celebration, and the Earl begins to like her, appreciating her gentle and loving nature.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Errol unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Errol in II

See Mrs. Errol in I