# Maud Dyer — Main Street character guide

> Maud Dyer in Main Street by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Dyer, Maud

**First appearance:** 0011-i

## Who they are

Dave Dyer's hypochondriac wife, often jealous of Carol.

## In the story

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

Carol overhears Maud Dyer begging her husband Dave for money for children's underclothes, highlighting the common humiliation of wives.

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

A sallow woman who criticizes Carol for not knowing bridge and complains about hired girls.

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

Chronicles her husband Dave's digestive disorders and marital disputes, and sketches his varieties of kisses.

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

Mrs. Dyer receives Carol in a kimono, calls her 'dear,' and insists on being called Maud. She opposes both the city hall and school plans, advocating instead for a combined city hall and armory with universal military training.

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

Carol helps her with picnic preparations and finds her amiable during the summer.

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

Kennicott dances with her at the party following the sleigh-ride, drawing Vida's jealous attention.

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

Visits Kennicott's office complaining of backaches and seeking both medical and emotional attention. Flirts with Kennicott, hinting at her loneliness and marital dissatisfaction.

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

Maud Dyer initiates the gossip about Erik Valborg, calling him 'Elizabeth' and mocking his refined behavior.

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

Mrs. Dave Dyer flatters Carol and expresses a lack of prejudice against Erik, suggesting he join a picnic.

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

Flirts with Erik Valborg, displaying possessive and mid-Victorian behavior that irritates Carol.

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

Maud is seen at the picnic and church supper, where she appears pleasant and pays no special attention to Erik, contradicting Carol's earlier suspicions.

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

Maud telephones Carol to share the scandalous story about Fern and Cy, revealing her delight in the gossip.

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

Accompanies her husband Dave Dyer on the picnic, along with her sister Mrs. Jennie Dayborn.

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

Resents Carol's return and makes snide remarks at the Jolly Seventeen meeting.

## Links

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