Night and Day · Character

Mary Datchet

A suffragist who lunches on sandwiches and Elgin marbles, Mary Datchet works for the vote by day and loves Ralph Denham in silence.

major

Also known as Miss Mary Datchet, Mary, Miss Datchet, Mary Datchet

First appearance: Night and Day

As a major figure in Night and Day, Mary Datchet is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Present at the party, interacts with Denham and others.

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Mary runs an office of the suffrage movement, humoring colleagues like Mr. Clacton and Mrs. Seal while quietly wanting more than they guess. Beneath the Elgin marbles she admits to herself that she is in love with Ralph, and the immensity of the statues makes her desire feel both solemn and alarming. Clear-eyed, generous, and self-denying, she is the novel's moral center, and her unreturned love quietly tests everyone around her.

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Character Web

29 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central romantic entanglements
Household servants
Extended family and acquaintances
Minor family members

+24 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional/psychological peak occurs when Mrs. Seal’s frenzy over the vote’s failure reveals the crushing f…

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In the story

Mary Datchet appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Night and Day
Present at the party, interacts with Denham and others.
IV
Hosts the party, discusses her suffrage work with Katharine, and observes Katharine's personality, labeling her an 'egoist'.
VII
Referenced in Katharine's account of the Suffrage office; Katharine contrasts her own life with Mary's.
X
Listens to Ralph's criticism, contemplates her feelings for him and her own plans; considers learning a language and works on a manuscript.
XIII
Finds Ralph in the Fields; they talk; she invites him to Christmas at Disham; returns to suffrage office, where she meets Mrs. Seal and Miss Markham.
XIV
Hosts Katharine and William, feels baffled by their relationship and Katharine's character, later reflects on her love for Ralph Denham.
XV
Meets Ralph at the station, walks with him across the fields, and is deeply affected by his presence.
XVIII
Mary walks with Denham, discussing her plans to go to America and finding comfort in their practical conversation.
XIX
Refuses Ralph's proposal, struggles with her love for him and the damage to her self-respect.
XX
Returns to the office feeling detached; pours tea and critiques the leaflet; experiences a vision of life's scheme and resolves to accept truth without bitterness.
XXI
Hosts Katharine, struggles with her feelings for Ralph Denham, and confesses that Ralph loves someone else.
XXII
Her declaration of love to Katharine serves as a revelation, inspiring Katharine to reconsider her own feelings.
XXIII
Mentioned in Katharine's thoughts; Katharine recalls Mary's expression and Denham's confession of having proposed insincerely to her.
XXIV
Recalled by Katharine as someone who said 'I'm in love—I'm in love,' contributing to Katharine's reflections on love.
Chapter XXVI
Surprised by Katharine's late visit; found working with Mr. Basnett on political papers.
XXVIII
Mary is working as secretary for a new society when Ralph visits. She has suffered and relinquished her own hopes, but achieves a sense of conquest and serenity in her interaction with Ralph.
XXXI
Now composed and purposeful, Mary observes Katharine's desperation with detached cruelty, while grappling with her own ghost of past love for Ralph.
XXXIV
Seen only through the illuminated window, working alone at night; symbolizes impersonal dedication and serenity.

Chapter companion notes

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