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Moll Flanders · Character

The Governess

A former gentlewoman turned bawd, midwife, pawnbroker, and receiver of stolen goods, she becomes Moll's landlady, mentor, and partner in crime.

major

Also known as my governess, my old governess, My governess, My old governess

First appearance: Moll Flanders

As a major figure in Moll Flanders, The Governess is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as a figure whose life story is too long to include, having run through many roles including thief and penitent.
In the storyAuthor's PrefaceOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Having run through every disreputable trade available to a woman in London, the governess offers Moll both shelter and a professional education in theft. She is pragmatic where Moll is impulsive, and her maternal manner…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of The Governess sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Governess in Moll Flanders

Character Web

7 connections

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

TGThe Gentleman …TBThe Bank ClerkMBMrs. BettyTCThe CaptainTBThe BoatswainTGThe Governess

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Moll's associates and lovers

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Governess in Moll Flanders

In the story

The Governess appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Governess unlock in the free preview.

See The Governess in Moll Flanders