# Mrs. Woodburn — Miss Marjoribanks character guide

> Mrs. Woodburn in Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0015-xvi

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

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

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

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

A satirical woman who reads novels and 'takes off' her neighbors, making her unfit for knitting society together.

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

Attempts to mimic Mrs. Chiley but is snubbed by Lucilla, who claims to have no sense of humor.

### [The First Thursday Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/x)

Entertains the company with her mimicry, including a sketch of Lucilla, to the amusement of the audience.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xi)

Observes her brother's behavior with Lucilla, mimics others, and questions Lucilla about managing family relations.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xiii)

Indifferent to the flirtation, she adds a sketch of Barbara to her repertoire and takes no further care about the matter.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xx)

Urges her brother Harry to marry Lucilla for social and political gain, showing a pragmatic and manipulative side.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxv)

Flustered by Lucilla's direct questions about her brother Mr. Cavendish; becomes pale and defensive, revealing her anxiety.

### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxii)

Suffers intensely, her heightened color betraying her anxiety; she fears her husband's power over her if the scheme fails.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlviii)

Celebrates Mr. Cavendish's early lead with her brother, mocking the opposition.

### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/chapter-the-last)

Makes much of Lady Richmond's remarks, contributing to the gossip and romantic narrative surrounding Lucilla's engagement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/mrs_woodburn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters