# Mrs. Vanstone — No Name character guide

> Mrs. Vanstone in No Name by Wilkie Collins.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Vanstone

**First appearance:** 0003-the-first-scene

## Who they are

The mother of Magdalen and Norah, who dies early in the story.

## In the story

### [No Name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/no-name)

The mother who dies shortly after her husband, leaving the daughters vulnerable.

### [The First Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/the-first-scene)

The mother of the family, living at Combe-Raven.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i)

Becomes excited rather than alarmed after the American letter; announces the sudden trip to London with her husband.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii)

Leaves for London with Mr. Vanstone, maintaining secrecy about their errand.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii)

Writes a letter explaining Captain Wragge's background and her secret pregnancy, but her account raises suspicions in Miss Garth's mind.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv)

Returns from London with subdued spirits; shakes her head at Magdalen's request to act.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v)

Declines to attend the performance due to health; privately expresses despondency about her health and the future; speaks self-reproachfully about Captain Wragge.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/viii)

Remains calm and hints at the possibility of a marriage between Magdalen and Frank, surprising Miss Garth.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ix)

Shows initial restraint but later speaks warmly with Magdalen; appears anxious when Mr. Vanstone mentions visiting Mr. Clare.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x)

Restless and unwell; finds comfort in tidying her husband's study and reminiscing over their past.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xi)

Lies gravely ill; dies at five o'clock.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xiii)

Her death and the brief life of her lawful child are mentioned as key events.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/mrs_vanstone
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters