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

See The Governess in Author's Preface Book page

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 masks a cold business sense — she takes a cut of every stolen watch and silver spoon. Her presence turns Moll's petty pilfering into an organized career, making her the quiet architect of the novel's criminal middle act.

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.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Moll's associates and lovers

+2 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Relationships

The Gentleman at Bath
professional · ambivalent
The Governess acts as a facilitator and intermediary for the Gentleman at Bath's romantic… How this plays out →
The Bank Clerk
professional · positive
The Captain
professional · ambivalent
The Boatswain
professional · ambivalent
The Bank Clerk
professional · positive
The Gentleman at Bath
professional · ambivalent
The Governess acts as a facilitator and intermediary for the Gentleman at Bath's romantic… How this plays out →

The Gentleman at Bath
The Governess acts as a facilitator and intermediary for the Gentleman at Bath's romantic arrangements with Moll.
The Bank Clerk
The Bank Clerk relies on the Governess for information and assistance in his pursuit of Moll.
The Captain
The Captain is a business associate and accomplice of the Governess in Moll's criminal enterprises.
The Boatswain
The Boatswain collaborates with the Governess in managing stolen goods and criminal logistics.
The Bank Clerk
The Bank Clerk relies on the Governess for information and assistance in his pursuit of Moll.
The Gentleman at Bath
The Governess acts as a facilitator and intermediary for the Gentleman at Bath's romantic arrangements with Moll.

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

See The Governess in Author's Preface