Mrs. Makebelieve

Mary Makebelieve

Mary Makebelieve and Mrs. Makebelieve are mother and daughter, with a strained relationship marked by misunderstanding and care.

The Man

Mrs. Makebelieve and The Man are acquaintances, with her wary of his influence over her daughter.

The Young Man

Mrs. Makebelieve and The Young Man have a polite but distant acquaintance, with her disapproving of his relationship with Mary.

Mrs. Cafferty

Mrs. Cafferty and Mrs. Makebelieve are neighbors who share small talk and mutual wariness.

Norah

Mrs. Makebelieve and Norah have a servant-employer relationship, with Norah being a loyal household helper.

Patrick

Mrs. Makebelieve and Patrick have a cordial but distant relationship, as she approves of his friendship with Mary.

Mr. Cafferty

Mr. Cafferty and Mrs. Makebelieve are neighbors who exchange pleasantries but keep their distance.

Mary Makebelieve

Mary Makebelieve and Mrs. Makebelieve are mother and daughter, with a strained relationship marked by misunderstanding and care.

Mary Makebelieve

Mary Makebelieve and Mrs. Makebelieve are mother and daughter, with a strained relationship marked by misunderstanding and care.

The Man

Mrs. Makebelieve and The Man are acquaintances, with her wary of his influence over her daughter.

Patrick

Mrs. Makebelieve and Patrick have a cordial but distant relationship, as she approves of his friendship with Mary.

Norah

Mrs. Makebelieve and Norah have a servant-employer relationship, with Norah being a loyal household helper.

Mary, Mary

Mary's mother, who dreams of a better life for her daughter through marriage and wealth, but falls ill and becomes dependent on Mary.

I

Mary's mother, a charwoman who dreams of wealth and often pretends to be rich.

II

Mrs. Makebelieve lies in bed until the last moment, talks incessantly about past and future plans, and joins Mary in the evenings to watch theatergoers.

III

Describes elaborate fantasies of marriage and wealth for Mary, but expresses fury at their mean, ugly present; reacts violently to a question about being struck by a man.

IV

Mary's mother is tired but talkative, offering imaginary pennies for Mary's thoughts. In bed, she dreams fiercely of things she lacks in reality.

V

Obsesses over Mary's appearance, prefers her to look girlish, and fears her daughter's maturation into womanhood.

VI

Mrs. Makebelieve prevents Mary from working as a charwoman, hoping instead for a marriage or a relative's return to secure their future; she enjoys the lively scenes at Phoenix Park.

VII

Mrs. Makebelieve receives a postcard from a new client, Mrs. O'Connor, and discusses the possibility of higher wages. She reflects on poverty, generosity, and the daily grind of survival.

VIII

Mentioned as having made Mary's dresses and promised to add a false hem; her Sunday skirt is a potential source of a black velvet sash.

XI

Returns exhausted from work at Mrs. O'Connor's, describes the house in detail, gives her opinion on policemen, and goes to bed feeling ill.

XII

Feels better after extra sleep, talks about her brother Patrick and emigration, then rushes off to work.

XIII

Mary's mother, whose occupation as a charwoman Mary is ashamed of and lies about.

XIV

Mrs. Makebelieve comes home very low-spirited, complaining of headache and languor, and falls into a strange apathy.

XV

Lies ill in bed, too weak to work, showing signs of serious sickness and financial desperation.

XVI

Falls seriously ill with dizziness, pain, and vision disturbances; unable to work and worries about survival.

XVII

Asleep but restless, gives Mary detailed cleaning instructions during breakfast, and is left in the care of a neighbor.

XIX

Sitting up in bed, looking almost her usual self, animated and affectionate with the children.

Chapter XX

Recovers from illness after a restorative sleep and a dream about her brother Patrick; fantasizes about a better life and insists on returning to work.

XXI

Mentioned as having left, causing Mrs. Cafferty's initial disappointment.

XXII

Mentioned in contrast to Mrs. Cafferty's shopping style; described as having personal friendships with shopkeepers.

XXIII

Plans to retrieve pawned furniture, detests Mrs. O'Connor, angrily recalls a policeman, and counsels Mary on maintaining dignity and freedom.

XXV

Listens to Mrs. Cafferty's troubles; both women agree something is wrong with the system causing their privations.

XXVI

Advises Mrs. Cafferty on managing the young man's appetite and reflects on her longing for a son.

XXVII

Mrs. Makebelieve imparts extensive knowledge of dress principles and fashion history to Mary, planning elaborate garments for her daughter.

XXIX

Takes on the role of guide and friend to the young man, sharing food and conversation.

The Proposal

Mrs. Makebelieve is shocked and angry at the policeman's proposal, feeling betrayed by Mary's secrecy. She openly rejects him and forces Mary to refuse him directly.

XXXI

Mrs. Makebelieve observes Mary's growing intimacy with the young man and reflects on her daughter's transition to adulthood, feeling both approval and pain. She recognizes the big man's attack as an energetic surrender.

XXXII

Receives the inheritance letter, visits the solicitors, demands and receives an advance of fifty pounds, and returns to work at Mrs. O'Connor's to observe her with new perspective.