# Miss Hannah Mole — Miss Mole character guide > Miss Hannah Mole in Miss Mole by E. H. Young. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Hannah, Hannah Mole, Miss Mole, Mole, Moley **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A sharp-eyed, self-invented housekeeper who turns other people's households into stages for her wit, her secrets, and her stubborn hope. ## Who they are Hannah Mole arrives at the Corders' as a paid outsider who quickly becomes the quiet center of the house, reading everyone while guarding a ten-year-old happiness she cannot afford to have exposed. She is funny, watchful, and morally nimble, willing to lie to protect the one frail treasure she has left, even as her own integrity protests. Her presence unsettles Robert Corder's tidy authority and gives the younger Corders a mirror they did not know they needed. ## Relationships ### [Robert Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/robert_corder) _professional_ Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness. ### [Ruth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/ruth) _friendship_ Ruth is the Corders' eldest daughter, and Miss Mole becomes a confidante and supportive figure to the sensitive, unhappy young woman. ### [Ethel Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/ethel_corder) _rivalry_ Ethel, the Corders' younger daughter, resents Miss Mole's influence and often clashes with her in a battle of wills. ### [Lilla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/lilla) _friendship_ Lilla is a lively, eccentric friend who provides Miss Mole with warmth and comic relief from her daily struggles. ### [Wilfrid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/wilfrid) _friendship_ Wilfrid is the Corders' young son, and Miss Mole treats him with kindness and patience, becoming a maternal figure to the lonely boy. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/father) _family_ Father is Miss Mole's elderly, ailing parent, and she cares for him with a mix of duty and deep affection despite his demanding nature. ### [Uncle Jim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/uncle_jim) _family_ Uncle Jim is Miss Mole's kindly, eccentric uncle who offers her occasional support and a link to her happier past. ### [Robert Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/robert_corder) _professional_ Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness. ### [Ruth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/ruth) _friendship_ Ruth is the Corders' eldest daughter, and Miss Mole becomes a confidante and supportive figure to the sensitive, unhappy young woman. ### [Ethel Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/ethel_corder) _rivalry_ Ethel, the Corders' younger daughter, resents Miss Mole's influence and often clashes with her in a battle of wills. ### [Ethel Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/ethel_corder) _rivalry_ Ethel, the Corders' younger daughter, resents Miss Mole's influence and often clashes with her in a battle of wills. ### [Robert Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/robert_corder) _professional_ Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/i) Protagonist; reflects on her deception, her love of Radstowe, and her impending loss of employment. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/ii) Hannah encounters her cousin Lilla at a restaurant, discusses her impending dismissal from Mrs. Widdows, and displays her characteristic wit and irreverence. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/iii) Reflects on her past, her education, and her current situation; visits Lilla and plans to deceive her about her stay with Mrs. Gibson. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/iv) Visits her cousin Lilla, learns of the housekeeper position, and walks through Upper Radstowe, enjoying the autumn scenery. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/v) Reflects on her identity, past romantic interlude, and desires for money and freedom; feels sympathy for Mrs. Ridding and dread about working for Mr. Corder. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/vi) Observes the chapel and Corder house with growing unease; explores Beresford Road; confronts Mr. Blenkinsop with audacity on her last evening at Mrs. Gibson's. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/vii) Arrives at the Corder house feeling like a mourner at her own funeral, but quickly recovers her spirit. She unpacks her treasured bottled ship, observes the view from her attic window, and engages with the family at supper, revealing her knowledge of Radstowe. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/viii) Hannah reflects on her role in the Corder household, her cautious game of maintaining harmony, and her secret pact with the late Mrs. Corder. She enjoys Wilfrid's appreciation but struggles with the family's tensions. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/ix) Reflects on her past work and desire for a simpler life; feels antagonistic toward Robert Corder; comforts Ruth after a nightmare; observes family tensions. ### [The Underground Struggles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/x) Hannah is wily and cautious, managing the household and her relationships with subtlety. She reflects on the hidden dramas of the Corder home and composes imaginary sermons for Robert Corder. Her playful comment about Mr. Blenkinsop causes tension. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xi) Shows quiet determination and psychological insight, arguing for Ruth's night-light and using her own childhood fears to connect with Ruth. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xii) Hannah comforts Ruth, reflects on her past and her cottage, and philosophizes about loneliness and imperfection. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xiii) Miss Mole is seen by Ruth in an old ulster, which causes Ruth embarrassment. Later, Miss Mole shows humor and insight, easing Ruth's guilt and offering a shared moment of connection over mushrooms. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xiv) Idles by the fire, reflecting on her relationship with Ruth and the cost of winning her affection. She tells a story blending truth and fiction, and later dreams of travel before being interrupted by Mr. Blenkinsop. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xv) Comforts Ruth, deals with Doris's defiance, and has a light-hearted exchange with Mr. Samson and Wilfrid. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xvi) Hannah observes Robert Corder's nighttime visit to Ethel's room, confronts him over tea, and later speaks with Wilfrid. She struggles with her 'demon of mischief' and reaffirms her commitment to the family. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xvii) Hannah flees the house to avoid Mr. Pilgrim, reflects on her past actions, and finds temporary comfort with Mrs. Gibson. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xix) Hannah feels a subdued jealousy of Uncle Jim but resolves to be happy. She visits Mr. Samson, enjoys his company, and uses her imagination to create stories about Mr. Blenkinsop. She also reflects on her own appearance and the role of noses in destiny. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xx) Hannah advises Ethel, confronts Robert Corder, and reflects on her past and the danger Mr. Pilgrim represents. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxi) Receives a letter from Mr. Blenkinsop, reflects on her role in the household, and listens to Wilfrid's confidences. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxii) Efficiently manages the household, concealing her control while navigating family dynamics, and is the object of Robert Corder's distrust and fascination. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxiii) Reflects on her own character and resolves to be an artist in her sphere; enjoys witty banter with Robert Corder; feels gay and conceited after tea with Mr. Blenkinsop; accepts a roll of silk from Uncle Jim. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxiv) Reflects on her loneliness and role as a dependent; strategizes to protect the Corder family; visits Lilla and Mr. Samson. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxv) Hannah lies awake on Christmas Eve, reflecting on her past and feeling remorse for her cruelty to Robert Corder. She longs for the country life and thinks about her cottage. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxvi) Receives a brooch from Wilfrid, reveals her farm property to the Corder household, and reflects on her secrets. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxvii) Left alone on Boxing Day, she reads a book from Mr. Blenkinsop and plans a new strategy with Robert Corder. She dresses in a moire silk dress with Wilfrid's brooch and Mr. Samson's lace, surprising the household. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxviii) Attends the party, converses with Mr. Blenkinsop, observes the social scene, and reflects on her own circumstances. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxix) Feels responsible for the Corder children, reflects on Ethel's vulnerability, and requests a day off to attend to farm business. ### [The Escape of Howard Corder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxx) Creates an imaginary cousin Hilda for comfort; observes the family crisis with sympathy and impatience; resolves to help the other children gain freedom. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxi) Observes Robert Corder's self-deception, reflects on her own past and cousin Hilda, considers marrying Corder to supplant Lilla. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxii) Reflects on Robert Corder's character, plans a country expedition, receives a letter from Mr. Blenkinsop, and meets Lilla for tea. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxiii) Feels disheartened and lonely after lying about Mr. Pilgrim; impulsively kisses Wilfrid, then defends her actions; reflects on integrity and the price of concealment. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxiv) Returns from a day out with Mr. Blenkinsop, weary and troubled; confronts Robert Corder and tries to comfort Ruth. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxv) Hannah endures a traumatic day trip that shatters her romantic illusions about her past love and the cottage; she struggles with shame and exhaustion but resolves to continue fighting. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxvi) Hannah grapples with the aftermath of learning about her lover's betrayal, finding strength in self-analysis and preparing to confront Mr. Pilgrim. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxvii) Reflects on her past love and cottage; engages in frenetic housework to suppress emotions; plans a walk with Ruth. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxviii) Struggles with guilt and defiance after Mr. Pilgrim reveals her past; confronts Robert Corder but is met with condescension. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xxxix) Sacrifices her reputation to protect Ethel's happiness; decides to leave the Corder household; writes to Uncle Jim; wanders the streets in despair. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/chapters/xl) Hannah is emotionally vulnerable, oscillating between anger and joy. She confesses her past shame about the man she loved, but ultimately accepts Mr. Blenkinsop's love and plans for their future. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters/miss_hannah_mole - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_mole_se/characters