Lorna Doone · Character

Gwenny Carfax

Lorna's fierce, dwarfish maid, whose loyalty to her mistress is matched only by her suspicion of everyone else.

supporting

Also known as Gwenny Carfax, Gwenny, little Gwenny, Little Gwenny, Carfax, little Gwenny Carfax

First appearance: Lorna Begins Her Story

As a supporting figure in Lorna Doone, Gwenny Carfax is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A little Cornish girl saved from starvation by Lorna; her father Simon Carfax disappeared into a mine.

In the storyLorna Begins Her StoryOpen this moment free

Gwenny Carfax serves Lorna Doone with a devotion that borders on ferocity, following her mistress out of the glen and into a world that treats her as a curiosity. Small in stature and large in spirit, she bristles at slights and guards Lorna's interests with a watchdog's tenacity. Her presence gives Lorna a companion in exile and gives the story a sharp, unsentimental voice at the edges of the romance.

See Gwenny Carfax in Lorna Begins Her Story Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

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Major characters and allies
Extended cast and background figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents John Ridd’s psychological peak of tension and respo…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Lorna Doone
friendship · positive
Gwenny is Lorna's loyal and fierce maid and companion, devoted to her mistress's safety… How this plays out →
Lorna Doone
friendship · positive
Gwenny is Lorna's loyal and fierce maid and companion, devoted to her mistress's safety… How this plays out →
Lorna Doone
friendship · positive
Gwenny is Lorna's loyal and fierce maid and companion, devoted to her mistress's safety… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Gwenny Carfax in Lorna Begins Her Story

In the story

Gwenny Carfax appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lorna Begins Her Story
A little Cornish girl saved from starvation by Lorna; her father Simon Carfax disappeared into a mine.
A Very Desperate Venture
Guards outside while John and Lorna talk; her loyalty to Lorna is affirmed.
Not Too Soon
Gwenny is also starving and eats greedily; she is prepared to help with the escape and shows fierce loyalty to Lorna.
Brought Home at Last
Lorna's loyal servant; accompanies the escape, helps keep Lorna warm on the sled, and later eats heartily while explaining how the Doone men tricked them.
A Change Long Needed
Briefly mentioned as having reported that Marwood de Whichehalse was snowed up with the Doones.
Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits
Servant; attends to the gravy during dinner.
XLIX: Maiden Sentinels Are Best
Climbs a tree to watch the Barrow valley for the Doones, demonstrating her hardihood and vigilance.
Lorna Gone Away
Has gone to London with Lorna. John seeks to help her by investigating her father's past.
LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna
Revealed as the one who kept Lorna's letters from being sent to John; confronts her dishonesty.
Compelled to Volunteer
Mentioned as the daughter of Simon Carfax.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Gwenny Carfax unlock in the free preview.

See Gwenny Carfax in Lorna Begins Her Story