# Fern Mullins — Main Street character guide

> Fern Mullins in Main Street by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Mullins, Miss Fern Mullins

**First appearance:** 0044-iii

## Snapshot

A lively young schoolteacher whose high spirits and unguarded friendliness make her a target for Gopher Prairie's gossip and moral outrage.

## Who they are

Fern Mullins arrives in town fresh from college, eager to teach and unafraid to laugh too loudly or stay out too late. Her easy rapport with students and her independence of manner scandalize the town's matrons, who transform a harmless escapade into a ruinous reputation. Her fate dramatizes how swiftly Main Street punishes any woman who refuses to be dull, and it hardens Carol's growing suspicion that the town devours its own.

## Relationships

### [Carol Kennicott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/characters/carol_kennicott)

_friendship_

Fern is a young, vivacious schoolteacher whom Carol befriends and tries to protect from the town's vicious gossip and double standards.

### [Carol Kennicott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/characters/carol_kennicott)

_friendship_

Fern is a young, vivacious schoolteacher whom Carol befriends and tries to protect from the town's vicious gossip and double standards.

### [Carol Kennicott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/characters/carol_kennicott)

_friendship_

Fern is a young, vivacious schoolteacher whom Carol befriends and tries to protect from the town's vicious gossip and double standards.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/iv)

New teacher in town, rebellious and frustrated by the restrictive social expectations of Gopher Prairie.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/v)

Carol plans to involve Fern Mullins in the new dramatic club.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/vii)

Fern wants to air her grievances and is uncomfortable with Erik's suggestion of a play with a violent ending.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/vi)

Carol compares herself to Fern Mullins, noting that she once was imitated but now tries to imitate a city girl.

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/i)

Organizes the picnic; playful but subjected to Cy Bogart's unwanted advances.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/v)

The only person who breaks Carol's suspense; invites her to a barn-dance.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/i)

Fern is evicted from Mrs. Bogart's house after being accused of corrupting Cy Bogart. She is seen hurrying up the street with a suitcase, her head low.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/ii)

Fern is the subject of scandalous rumors involving Cy Bogart, which the town eagerly spreads.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/iii)

Fern is found sobbing in her hotel room, traumatized by Cy Bogart's behavior and Mrs. Bogart's accusations. She recounts the events of the dance and the buggy ride.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/iv)

Fern is forced to resign from her teaching position and leaves town, her reputation ruined by gossip.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/chapters/i)

Referenced by Kennicott as a cautionary example of someone who 'got in Dutch' in the town.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/characters/fern_mullins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/main_street_se/characters