Miss Marjoribanks · Character

Mrs. Woodburn

Born Barbara Lake, now a sharp-tongued, discontented wife whose gossip about Lucilla's hidden preoccupation helps set Grange Lane's romantic speculation alight.

supporting

Also known as young Mrs. Woodburn, Woodburn, the uncivil Barbara, poor Mrs. Woodburn

First appearance: xvi

As a supporting figure in Miss Marjoribanks, Mrs. Woodburn is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A gentle young matron who sympathizes with the cook and comments on the household's demands.

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Once the sullen contralto who overstayed her welcome at Lucilla's piano, Barbara has become Mrs. Woodburn, a married woman whose disappointment curdles into acid commentary. She reads Lucilla's composure as proof of a secret attachment, and her talk travels through Grange Lane with real effect. Her resentment and restlessness embody the novel's quieter theme: what happens to ambitious women who never quite get their stage.

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Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended Social Circle
Core Carlingford Society

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Mrs. Woodburn,…

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In the story

Mrs. Woodburn appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
A gentle young matron who sympathizes with the cook and comments on the household's demands.
III
A satirical woman who reads novels and 'takes off' her neighbors, making her unfit for knitting society together.
V
Attempts to mimic Mrs. Chiley but is snubbed by Lucilla, who claims to have no sense of humor.
The First Thursday Evening
Entertains the company with her mimicry, including a sketch of Lucilla, to the amusement of the audience.
Chapter XI
Observes her brother's behavior with Lucilla, mimics others, and questions Lucilla about managing family relations.
Chapter XIII
Indifferent to the flirtation, she adds a sketch of Barbara to her repertoire and takes no further care about the matter.
Chapter XVIII
Gives a brilliant mimicry of the Archdeacon, reaching an apotheosis of her talent, and rudely dismisses Barbara's inquiry about her brother.
Chapter XX
Urges her brother Harry to marry Lucilla for social and political gain, showing a pragmatic and manipulative side.
XXV
Flustered by Lucilla's direct questions about her brother Mr. Cavendish; becomes pale and defensive, revealing her anxiety.
Chapter XXX
Anxious sister who fears Mr. Cavendish's despair and the consequences of Lucilla's letter; she pleads with him to go away to avoid ruin.
XXXII
Suffers intensely, her heightened color betraying her anxiety; she fears her husband's power over her if the scheme fails.
XXXIX
Encountered by Lucilla in the snow; anxious about her brother's election and hints at Lucilla's marriage; reflects wistfully on Lucilla's independence.
Chapter XLVIII
Celebrates Mr. Cavendish's early lead with her brother, mocking the opposition.
Chapter the Last
Makes much of Lady Richmond's remarks, contributing to the gossip and romantic narrative surrounding Lucilla's engagement.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Woodburn in xvi

See Mrs. Woodburn in II