# Lorna Doone — Lorna Doone character guide > Lorna Doone in Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lorna, little Lorna, Doone, Lorna Growing Formidable Having, Mistress Lorna, Mistress Lorna Doone, young Mistress Lorna, Lady Lorna, my Lorna, The Lady Lorna Dugal, Lorna Dugal, the Lady Lorna, young Lady Lorna Dugal, Lady Lorna Dugal, Cousin Lorna, fair Cousin Lorna **First appearance:** 0007-viii-a-boy-and-a-girl ## Snapshot A proud, lonely girl raised inside a robber clan, whose softness and hidden nobility unsettle every plan the men around her make. ## Who they are Lorna lives among the Doones as a jewel they keep but do not understand, and her instinctive courtesy belongs to a world she has never seen. When John Ridd brings her eggs wrapped in clover-hay, she weeps at the scent of ordinary kindness, because she is not used to it. Her beauty and her helplessness pull John forward into danger, while her own judgment quietly refuses to be owned by anyone. ## Relationships ### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd) _romantic_ John and Lorna are deeply in love, overcoming family feuds and social obstacles to be together. ### [Mother Melldrum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/mother_melldrum) _family_ Mother Melldrum becomes a grandmother figure to Lorna, offering shelter and maternal care after Lorna's escape from the Doones. ### [Annie Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/annie_ridd) _friendship_ Annie and Lorna become close friends and confidantes, with Annie warmly welcoming Lorna into the Ridd household. ### [John Fry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_fry) _professional_ John Fry is a servant on the Ridd farm, and he is devoted to protecting and serving Lorna. ### [Tom Faggus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/tom_faggus) _friendship_ Lorna and Tom share a warm friendship, with Tom acting as a protective older brother figure to her. ### [Gwenny Carfax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/gwenny_carfax) _friendship_ Gwenny is Lorna's loyal and fierce maid and companion, devoted to her mistress's safety and happiness. ### [Carver Doone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/carver_doone) _rivalry_ Carver Doone is a brutal Doone outlaw who forcibly pursues Lorna, representing a constant threat to her freedom and life. ### [Jeremy Stickles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/jeremy_stickles) _friendship_ Jeremy Stickles is a friend and ally to Lorna, helping to protect her and facilitate her relationship with John. ### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd) _romantic_ John and Lorna are deeply in love, overcoming family feuds and social obstacles to be together. ### [Annie Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/annie_ridd) _friendship_ Annie and Lorna become close friends and confidantes, with Annie warmly welcoming Lorna into the Ridd household. ### [John Ridd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/john_ridd) _romantic_ John and Lorna are deeply in love, overcoming family feuds and social obstacles to be together. ### [Gwenny Carfax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/gwenny_carfax) _friendship_ Gwenny is Lorna's loyal and fierce maid and companion, devoted to her mistress's safety and happiness. ## In the story ### [A Boy and a Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/viii-a-boy-and-a-girl) A young girl of noble birth, called 'queen' by the Doones; she befriends John and helps him hide, then is carried away by a Doone man. ### [IX: There Is No Place Like Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/ix-there-is-no-place-like-home) Mentioned as the fair young maid who helped John; John compares her beauty to Annie's. ### [A Motion Which Ends in a Mull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiv-a-motion-which-ends-in-a-mull) Not directly present in the chapter, but the Doones are the subject of the failed expedition. ### [Quo Warranto?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xv-quo-warranto) John recalls Lorna Doone, the little maid from six years back, during the journey. ### [Lorna Growing Formidable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xvi-lorna-growing-formidable) Now older and more formidable, she sings an ancient love song by the stream. She recognizes John immediately and warns him of the dangers of the valley, though she smiles and allows him to visit her bower. ### [John Is Bewitched](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xvii-john-is-bewitched) Lorna is the object of John's obsessive thoughts. He imagines she might also have chapped hands and hopes to use this as an excuse to visit her. ### [XVIII: Witchery Leads to Witchcraft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xviii-witchery-leads-to-witchcraft) The subject of John's inquiry; Mother Melldrum warns John against her. ### [XIX: Another Dangerous Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xix-another-dangerous-interview) Lorna is found in her rocky chamber, weeping over John's kindness and revealing her vulnerability and lack of accustomed kindness. ### [Lorna Begins Her Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xx-lorna-begins-her-story) Tells her life story to John Ridd, expressing loneliness, confusion about her past, and despair over the violence around her. ### [Lorna Ends Her Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxi-lorna-ends-her-story) Narrates her past, describing her sheltered childhood and her meeting with Lord Alan Brandir. ### [A Long Spring Month](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxii-a-long-spring-month) John's beloved; her story and noble lineage cause John anxiety about their class difference. ### [A Royal Invitation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiii-a-royal-invitation) John tries and fails to signal her from the cliffs before his departure. ### [A Safe Pass for King's Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiv-a-safe-pass-for-king-s-messenger) John's beloved, from whom he is separated due to his duty; he regrets not being able to say goodbye. ### [John Is Drained and Cast Aside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxvi-john-is-drained-and-cast-aside) John buys her a gift and worries about her fate, fearing she may have married Carver Doone. ### [John Has Hope of Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxviii-john-has-hope-of-lorna) Meets John in the glen, admits she likes him very much but is cautious about expressing deeper love. ### [Reaping Leads to Revelling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxix-reaping-leads-to-revelling) Though absent, she is constantly in John's thoughts; he reflects on their parting and her safety. ### [Annie Gets the Best of It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxx-annie-gets-the-best-of-it) Mentioned by John as the object of his love, leading Annie to discover his secret. ### [Feeding of the Pigs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxii-feeding-of-the-pigs) John's beloved; her absence and safety are a central concern; John fails to meet her despite waiting. ### [An Early Morning Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxiii-an-early-morning-call) Lorna meets John in the morning, accepts his love and his ring, but then expresses doubt about their future. ### [Ruth Is Not Like Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxv-ruth-is-not-like-lorna) Lorna gives John an ancient ring, expresses her longing for peace, and insists on staying with her grandfather. ### [John Returns to Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxvi-john-returns-to-business) Her signals to John cease, causing him great worry; John fears she is imprisoned or harmed in the Doone valley. ### [A Very Desperate Venture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-very-desperate-venture) Meets John in the valley, arranges a signal using rooks' nests to warn of danger, and expresses her resolve to avoid Carver. ### [XL: Two Fools Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xl-two-fools-together) Lorna is found crying at a window, but joins John in a defiant display of their love before Sir Ensor. ### [XLI: Cold Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xli-cold-comfort) Present at Sir Ensor's deathbed, hoping for his blessing. ### [Not Too Soon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xliii-not-too-soon) Lorna is starving and near death, but revives after eating the mince-pie John brings; she agrees to escape with him. ### [Brought Home at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xliv-brought-home-at-last) Rescued from the Doone valley; unconscious from cold and exhaustion, she is carried into the Ridd farm and slowly revives. ### [A Change Long Needed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlv-a-change-long-needed) Now living with the Ridds, she blossoms in the warmth and freedom of the household, delighting in the kitchen and the simple life. ### [Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlvi-squire-faggus-makes-some-lucky-hits) Guest at the Ridd home; dines with the family; Tom Faggus recognizes her necklace as valuable diamonds and recalls seeing her as a child. ### [Jeremy in Danger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlvii-jeremy-in-danger) Shows her diamond necklace to Tom Faggus; offers it to Mistress Ridd as a gift, demonstrating her generosity. ### [XLVIII: Every Man Must Defend Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlviii-every-man-must-defend-himself) Lorna is terrorized by Carver Doone, who threatens her life; she later asks to return to Glen Doone. ### [XLIX: Maiden Sentinels Are Best](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlix-maiden-sentinels-are-best) Wakes John from his watch, suggests Gwenny as a lookout, and tends to John's wound. She shows courage and concern for John's safety. ### [L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/l-a-merry-meeting-a-sad-one) John's beloved, attends church with him; her Catholic faith is a point of discussion. ### [A Visit from the Counsellor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/li-a-visit-from-the-counsellor) Present during the Counsellor's visit; learns that her father killed John's father and vice versa; remains loyal to John. ### [LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lii-the-way-to-make-the-cream-rise) Lorna's necklace is taken by the Counsellor; she had previously taken it from John for safekeeping. ### [Jeremy Finds Out Something](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/liii-jeremy-finds-out-something) Implied to be the young lady in Benita's story, connected to the tragic events. ### [Mutual Discomfiture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/liv-mutual-discomfiture) Implied as the child of the lady in the coach; John's beloved, not directly present. ### [Getting Into Chancery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lv-getting-into-chancery) The subject of the Chancery writs; John goes to find her in her garden to serve the citation. Tension grows between her and John's mother. ### [John Becomes Too Popular](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lvi-john-becomes-too-popular) Listens to John's tale of her parents' fate, weeps, and expresses her love and fear of selfishness. ### [Lorna Knows Her Nurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lvii-lorna-knows-her-nurse) Recognizes Benita Odam as her old nurse; her noble birth and rights are confirmed; asks John for money to buy a wedding present for Annie. ### [Master Huckaback's Secret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lviii-master-huckaback-s-secret) John thinks of Lorna as he descends into the mine, showing his deep affection for her. ### [Lorna Gone Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lix-lorna-gone-away) Has been taken to London by her noble relatives, leaving a letter for John. Her departure deeply affects him. ### [LX: Annie Luckier Than John](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lx-annie-luckier-than-john) Mentioned as having departed; John mourns her absence and reflects on her true parentage. ### [LXI: Therefore He Seeks Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxi-therefore-he-seeks-comfort) John's beloved; he confides in Ruth about his despair over Lorna's departure. ### [LXII: The King Must Not Be Prayed For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxii-the-king-must-not-be-prayed-for) Mentioned in John's thoughts; he feels abandoned by her lack of communication since she left for London. ### [John Is Worsted by the Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiii-john-is-worsted-by-the-women) Mentioned in John's thoughts as he reflects on his love for her and hopes to discover or hear of her during his campaign. ### [Slaughter in the Marshes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiv-slaughter-in-the-marshes) John's chief love; he mentions her as the reason he would strike a blow. ### [Suitable Devotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvi-suitable-devotion) Lorna sends John a letter expressing her love and asking him to visit. She is also seen attending court and mass, and her noble lineage is discussed in detail. ### [LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxvii-lorna-still-is-lorna) Reunites with John, reveals Gwenny's interception of letters, and declares her intention to marry him despite social differences. ### [John Is John No Longer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxviii-john-is-john-no-longer) Lives with Earl Brandir; enjoys provisions from John's family; discusses with John whether to tell the Earl about his son Alan. ### [Not to Be Put Up with](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxix-not-to-be-put-up-with) Mentioned as Lady Lorna, who uses her influence with the Queen to help John obtain his discharge. ### [The Counsellor and the Carver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxii-the-counsellor-and-the-carver) Lorna's diamond necklace is recovered by John from the Counsellor. ### [How to Get Out of Chancery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxiii-how-to-get-out-of-chancery) Returns to Exmoor in wonderful health and spirits, declares herself her own mistress, and insists on marrying John without her fortune. ### [Blood Upon the Altar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxiv-blood-upon-the-altar) John's bride; shot by Carver Doone at the altar, but survives. ### [Give Away the Grandeur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxv-give-away-the-grandeur) John's wife, described as growing in beauty and goodness; she is shot by Carver Doone and nearly dies, but is saved by Ruth Huckaback. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/lorna_doone - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters