# Mrs. Shaw — North and South character guide

> Mrs. Shaw in North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

**Role:** minor

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

**First appearance:** 0000-i-haste-to-the-wedding

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [I: "Haste to the Wedding"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/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!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xlii-alone-alone)

Arrives from London in response to Mr. Bell's letter, anxious to take Margaret back with her.

### [Margaret’s Flittin’](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xliii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xliv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xlv-not-all-a-dream)

Initially startled and doubtful about the trip, but eventually yields to Mr. Bell's plan.

### [XLIX: Breathing Tranquillity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xlix-breathing-tranquillity)

Margaret's aunt, who reluctantly acquiesces to Margaret's desire for independence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/characters/mrs_shaw
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/north_and_south_se/characters