North and South · Character

Mrs. Shaw

Margaret's wealthy aunt, who raised her in London.

minor

Also known as Mrs. Shaw, Shaw, aunt Shaw, Aunt Shaw, Elliott Mrs. Shaw

First appearance: I: "Haste to the Wedding"

Mrs. Shaw shows up with force in I: "Haste to the Wedding". The page is where that presence becomes real.

See Mrs. Shaw in I: "Haste to the Wedding"Book page

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In I: "Haste to the Wedding": Mrs. Shaw is Margaret's aunt and Edith's mother. She enjoys the romance of the engagement and is preoccupied with the wedding preparations, including displaying Indian shawls. She married…

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See Mrs. Shaw in I: "Haste to the Wedding"

Character Web

10 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Background and supporting characters
Major characters and family
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs because Thornton reaches an emotional and psychological peak wher…

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In the story

Mrs. Shaw appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: "Haste to the Wedding"
Mrs. Shaw is Margaret's aunt and Edith's mother. She enjoys the romance of the engagement and is preoccupied with the wedding preparations, including displaying Indian shawls. She married General Shaw without love and often bemoans her lot.
II: Roses and Thorns
Margaret's aunt; reflects on her sister Maria's marriage, believing she has nothing to wish for; unaware of Mrs. Hale's material wants.
XLII: Alone! Alone!
Arrives from London in response to Mr. Bell's letter, anxious to take Margaret back with her.
Margaret’s Flittin’
Dislikes Milton and urges Margaret to return to London with her; she accompanies Margaret on her farewell visit to Mrs. Thornton.
Ease Not Peace
Mrs. Shaw is busy restoring Margaret's wardrobe and takes pleasure in the social arrangements of the household, much like she did with her own former entertainments.
XLV: Not All a Dream
Initially startled and doubtful about the trip, but eventually yields to Mr. Bell's plan.
XLIX: Breathing Tranquillity
Margaret's aunt, who reluctantly acquiesces to Margaret's desire for independence.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Shaw in I: "Haste to the Wedding"