Martin Chuzzlewit · Character

Mary Graham

The orphaned young companion of old Martin Chuzzlewit, whose gentle loyalty and guarded heart are tested by the suspicions of the man she serves.

supporting

Also known as Mary, Polly, Miss Mary, Miss Graham

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in Martin Chuzzlewit, Mary Graham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The young companion of old Martin, she withdraws when Martin signals her to leave him alone with Pecksniff.

In the storyChapter IIIOpen this moment free

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Mary Graham is the poor relation taken in by old Martin as companion and nurse, the only person he will see when he shuts himself away from the world. She is watched, tested, and half-accused by a jealous old man, and her patient dignity under that scrutiny is one of the novel's moral anchors. Her attachment to young Martin gives the plot its central romantic thread, and her position between the two Chuzzlewits makes her both prize and pawn in the family's struggle over money and trust.

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The fuller portrait of Mary Graham sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mary Graham in i

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central Chuzzlewit Circle
Extended Cast and Servants

+16 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dickens public…

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Relationships

Seth Pecksniff
psychological · negative
Mary is a ward of old Martin Chuzzlewit and is subjected to Pecksniff's unwanted romantic… How this plays out →
Seth Pecksniff
psychological · negative
Mary is a ward of old Martin Chuzzlewit and is subjected to Pecksniff's unwanted romantic… How this plays out →
Seth Pecksniff
psychological · negative
Mary is a ward of old Martin Chuzzlewit and is subjected to Pecksniff's unwanted romantic… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Mary Graham in i

In the story

Mary Graham appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
The young companion of old Martin, she withdraws when Martin signals her to leave him alone with Pecksniff.
IV
Mary is the young companion of old Martin, suspected by the family of harboring designs on his property; she is the subject of much of the family's discussion and animosity.
Chapter XIII
Mentioned as being in London with old Martin; Martin writes her a letter.
XIV
Meets Martin in the park, gives him a diamond ring bought with her savings, and receives his letter for Tom Pinch.
Chapter XXIV
Mary shows kindness to Tom but avoids being alone with him, hinting at her loyalty to Martin.
Mr. Pecksniff's Design
The object of Pecksniff's matrimonial designs; distressed by his advances.
XXXI
Mary is mentioned as the subject of Pecksniff's accusation against Tom; she is not directly present in the chapter but is central to the conflict.
Chapter XLIII
Present in the room, she is comforted by old Martin and hides her face in distress during the confrontation.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mary Graham unlock in the free preview.

See Mary Graham in i

See Mary Graham in Chapter III