# Miss Garth — No Name character guide > Miss Garth in No Name by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** the plainspoken Miss Garth, Garth, Harriet Garth **First appearance:** 0003-the-first-scene ## Snapshot The Vanstone sisters' plainspoken governess — a woman of firm opinions and dry wit who refuses to soften her judgments even when the family falls apart. ## Who they are Miss Garth has long been the household's high authority on domestic questions, and she flatly declines to step off her pedestal for anyone — not for Frank Clare, not for the parents who favored him. Her bristling congratulations and ominously prophetic eyes make her a tart counterweight to the family's easy enthusiasms. When the sisters are cast adrift, she remains their steadiest, most unsentimental friend, the one Magdalen can still ask for help 'for my father's sake and my mother's sake.' ## In the story ### [No Name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/no-name) The family governess who becomes a confidante and witness to the unfolding tragedy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) The governess; scolds Magdalen for prying and notices Mrs. Vanstone's unusual reaction to the letter. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) Confronts the mysterious stranger at the gate, manages the household after the Vanstones' departure, and tries to keep the sisters occupied. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Receives and reads Mrs. Vanstone's letter, grappling with doubts about the full truth behind the journey to London. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv) Looks daggers at Magdalen's theatrical enthusiasm and later escorts her to the drawing-room. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v) Observes Magdalen's peculiar study habits with curiosity; resolves to chaperone rehearsals; prophetically pities Magdalen's future husband. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vi) Observes Magdalen's performance with growing concern, noting her feverish gaiety and the tender looks exchanged with Frank Clare; suspects the theatrical scheme may have sown deeper feelings. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii) Meets with Norah privately in the garden to discuss Magdalen's conduct. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/viii) Observes Magdalen's behavior and suspects her love for Frank; confronts Mrs. Vanstone about the matter. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ix) Discovers Magdalen kissing Frank and threatens to tell Mr. Vanstone, but Magdalen preempts her. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x) Offers stiff congratulations to Magdalen on her engagement, masking her disapproval of Frank Clare. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xi) Observes Magdalen's state, receives Mr. Pendril's urgent request, and is present at Mrs. Vanstone's death. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xii) The governess who receives the shocking revelation about Mr. and Mrs. Vanstone's marriage. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xiii) Listens to Mr. Pendril's account and expresses her distress at the cruel law. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xiv) Struggles with the burden of revealing the truth; is shocked by Magdalen's composure and Norah's strength. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xv) Proposes the plan to return to London and take charge of the sisters' future, and assists in settling the servants. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Helps the sisters pack and cares for Magdalen after her hysterics; also receives a letter of condolence from Captain Wragge. ### [I: From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i-from-norah-vanstone-to-mr-pendril) Helps with packing and cares for Magdalen after her hysterics; described as shaken by recent events. ### [II: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii-from-miss-garth-to-mr-pendril) Writes the letter to Mr. Pendril, expressing her misery and fear for Magdalen's future. ### [III: From Magdalen to Norah (Enclosed in the Preceding Letter)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii-from-magdalen-to-norah-enclosed-in-the-preceding-letter) Mentioned as someone whose gratitude Magdalen hopes not to doubt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as another person Magdalen refuses to forgive, part of the family's efforts to retrieve her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the honored preceptress in the late Mr. Vanstone's family, whose character Magdalen impersonates in her performances. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ix) Her character and manner are being used by Magdalen as a disguise for the campaign against Noel Vanstone. ### [The Third Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/the-third-scene) Miss Garth remains a steadfast figure, supporting the Vanstone sisters through their ordeal. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the real identity Magdalen assumes; not physically present. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Writes to Magdalen offering a home and forgiveness; receives a reply from Magdalen asking to be forgotten. ### [III: From Norah to Magdalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii-from-norah-to-magdalen) Norah asks Magdalen to address future letters to her at Miss Garth's. ### [IV: From Miss Garth to Magdalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv-from-miss-garth-to-magdalen) Writes a letter to Magdalen revealing Norah's resignation and pleading with Magdalen to return home. ### [X: From Magdalen to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x-from-magdalen-to-miss-garth) Recipient of Magdalen's letter; Magdalen acknowledges her past kindness and asks for forgiveness. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vi) Writes to Mrs. Lecount with a detailed description of Magdalen and a formal denial of impersonation, providing a weapon for the housekeeper's investigation. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Miss Garth is the recipient of several letters, including Norah's anxious correspondence and Mr. Pendril's assurance of a new search. ### [II: From Norah Vanstone to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii-from-norah-vanstone-to-miss-garth) Recipient of the letter; Norah appeals to her for a visit and counsel. ### [IV: From Norah Vanstone to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv-from-norah-vanstone-to-miss-garth) Recipient of Norah's letter; Norah asks her to forget the previous letter's gloomy forebodings. ### [VII: From Mr. Pendril to Norah Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii-from-mr-pendril-to-norah-vanstone) Recommended by Mr. Pendril to be present if Norah agrees to meet Mrs. Lecount. ### [From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/viii-from-norah-vanstone-to-mr-pendril) Norah has written to her to be present at the meeting with Mrs. Lecount. ### [X: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x-from-miss-garth-to-mr-pendril) Writes the letter to Mr. Pendril, describing her distress and Mrs. Lecount's revelations. ### [From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xii-from-mr-pendril-to-miss-garth) Addressed by Mr. Pendril; her urgent request prompts the action. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) Miss Garth is mentioned as having written a letter denying involvement in the Vauxhall Walk incident and confirming the moles on Magdalen's neck as identifying marks. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Receives a bitter letter from Magdalen and is advised by Mr. Pendril to keep the truth from Norah. ### [III: From Mrs. Noel Vanstone to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii-from-mrs-noel-vanstone-to-miss-garth) The recipient of the letter; Magdalen accuses her of conspiring with Mr. Pendril and Norah to reclaim her. ### [V: From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v-from-mr-pendril-to-miss-garth) Recipient of Mr. Pendril's letter; she is distressed by Mrs. Noel Vanstone's tone and interpretation of overheard conversation. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Writes to Mr. Pendril about Norah's improving spirits and her observations of George Bartram's visits. ### [From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i-from-miss-garth-to-mr-pendril) The letter's author, reporting on Norah's progress and her own observations of George Bartram's visits. ### [II: From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii-from-mr-pendril-to-miss-garth) Recipient of Mr. Pendril's letter; urged to use her influence to protect Norah's future. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Recipient of George Bartram's letter; she is kept informed about the search and Magdalen's situation. ### [II: From George Bartram to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii-from-george-bartram-to-miss-garth) Recipient of George Bartram's letter, confidante regarding his disappointment. ### [III: From Miss Garth to George Bartram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii-from-miss-garth-to-george-bartram) Author of the letter; expresses anger and frustration at Norah's pride and perversity, and outlines a plan to remedy the situation. ### [V: From George Bartram to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v-from-george-bartram-to-miss-garth) Recipient of George Bartram's letter; had previously sent a kind and consoling letter. ### [From George Bartram to Miss Garth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii-from-george-bartram-to-miss-garth) Recipient of George Bartram's letter, informed about the trust search and offered admission to St. Crux. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Adds a postscript to Norah's letter, offering Magdalen a cottage at Shanklin for her recovery. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Norah to St. Crux and witnesses the discovery of the trust. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/miss_garth - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters