Robert Corder

Miss Hannah Mole

Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness.

Ethel Corder

Ethel is Robert Corder's daughter, and she often manipulates her father's vanity to get her way, creating a dynamic of mutual exploitation.

Ruth

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

Miss Hannah Mole

Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness.

Miss Hannah Mole

Miss Mole is the housekeeper for Robert Corder, a domineering and hypocritical clergyman, and their interactions are marked by tension and mutual wariness.

Ruth

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

Ethel Corder

Ethel is Robert Corder's daughter, and she often manipulates her father's vanity to get her way, creating a dynamic of mutual exploitation.

Ethel Corder

Ethel is Robert Corder's daughter, and she often manipulates her father's vanity to get her way, creating a dynamic of mutual exploitation.

Ruth

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

IV

Mentioned as the widower minister who needs a housekeeper; Lilla plans to recommend Hannah.

VI

Mentioned as the minister of Beresford Road Chapel; described as a vigorous, busy figure; Hannah is about to become his housekeeper.

VII

Delivers a lengthy monologue on Radstowe's ecclesiastical architecture and river trade, but is disconcerted when Hannah reveals she already knows the city. He tries to maintain a playful, paternal tone with his children.

VIII

Robert Corder is portrayed as a man accustomed to adulation, treating Hannah with coldness after she tripped him up on her first evening. He is a minister with a docile flock.

IX

His presence dampens the household; Hannah is antagonistic toward him; he is absent for an evening, allowing a temporary sense of holiday.

The Underground Struggles

Robert Corder is angry and distressed after the Education Committee meeting and an encounter with Mr. Blenkinsop. He tries to translate his anger into grief and demands recognition at the supper table.

XI

Reflects on his outdated authority, feels threatened by modern thought, and is irritated by Hannah's assertiveness over Ruth's night-light.

XII

Mentioned as the disciplinarian who might have blown out Ruth's light, and as someone Hannah would not marry.

XIII

Robert Corder is mentioned as Ruth's father, whose didactic and petty behavior contributes to Ruth's dissatisfaction and her desire for a different kind of father.

XIV

Mentioned as being out for the weeknight service; Hannah notes his amiability earlier in the evening and his covert suggestion that the kitchen is her sphere.

XVI

Robert Corder enters Hannah's room silently to check on Ethel, discusses Mrs. Spenser-Smith's At Home day, and announces a minister's visit. Hannah notes his contradictions and his 'handsome figure'.

XVII

Robert Corder is displeased by Hannah's absence and secretly relieved she is out of the house, though he resents her engagement elsewhere.

XIX

Robert Corder is beginning to think of Hannah as the right woman in the right place, though Hannah finds his view irritating. He is contrasted unfavorably with Mr. Samson.

Chapter XX

Robert Corder confronts Hannah about Mr. Blenkinsop and hints at disturbing rumors he has heard.

Chapter XXI

Brings Hannah a letter, shows curiosity about its contents, and is described as a spoilt child who expects his needs to be divined.

XXII

Observes Miss Mole's domestic competence with irritation, resents her independence and the affection she receives from his children, and struggles with his own jealousy and suspicion.

XXIII

Acts as host but is exasperated by Uncle Jim's lack of anecdotes; condescends to jest with Hannah; insists Hannah write a separate note to Mrs. Spenser-Smith.

XXIV

Emphasized Hannah's dependent status; his egoism is noted; he insists Hannah attend Mrs. Spenser-Smith's party.

XXV

Robert returns home and finds Hannah in his study. He rebukes her indirectly and reminds her about the chapel waits.

XXVI

Reassesses his view of Hannah upon learning she owns property; shows irritability but also geniality.

XXVII

He has been affable since learning Hannah is a lady of property, but worries she might be too clever at Mrs. Spenser-Smith's party. He is vexed by Howard's lateness and leaves the room when Hannah displays her lace and brooch.

XXVIII

Arrives at the party with Hannah and his family, feels irritated by the situation, and engages with a deacon.

XXIX

Approves of Hannah's humor, discusses her farm business, and shows a softer side but remains blind to family tensions.

The Escape of Howard Corder

Outraged and hurt by Howard's departure and Uncle Jim's role; worries about his reputation with Mrs. Spenser-Smith and the chapel; feels lonely and unconsoled by his daughters.

XXXI

Reassures his children after Howard's departure, maintains a facade of broad-mindedness, is unaware of Hannah's influence.

XXXII

Maintains a consistent attitude after Howard's departure, merging into his role; Hannah questions his authenticity.

XXXIV

Stern and suspicious, questions Hannah about her Sunday outing and complains about the fire being out.

XXXV

Robert Corder is mentioned as having subjected the household to a harsh Sunday dinner, with Wilfrid criticizing his behavior.

XXXVI

Robert Corder is mentioned as having asked a favor of Hannah, which makes her like him better, and he discreetly observes from the study.

XXXVII

Mr. Pilgrim is attempting to ingratiate himself with him by sharing a piece of scandal.

XXXVIII

Hears Mr. Pilgrim's story with studied incredulity; uses the situation to assert moral superiority and avoid direct action.

XXXIX

Remains aloof and disapproving; his strict views on theatre and distrust of Wilfrid create tension; Ethel plans to tell him about Hannah's secret.

XL

Mr. Corder is referenced as the one who will need to let Hannah in when she returns, and Hannah imagines he will marry Patsy Withers.