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Northanger Abbey · Character

Mrs. Tilney

Henry and Eleanor's late mother, whose death Catherine imagines suspiciously.

minor

Also known as the deceased Mrs. Tilney, the unfortunate Mrs. Tilney

First appearance: xix

Mrs. Tilney shows up with force in Chapter XXII. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Discussed by Catherine and Eleanor; Catherine learns her portrait hangs in Eleanor's room, not the General's, fueling Catherine's suspicions of the General's unkindness.
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In Chapter XXII: Discussed by Catherine and Eleanor; Catherine learns her portrait hangs in Eleanor's room, not the General's, fueling Catherine's suspicions of the General's unkindness. Later, in Chapter XXIV: Her…

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The fuller portrait of Mrs. Tilney sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mrs. Tilney in xix

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

Catherine’s emotional peak occurs when she realizes that General Tilney’s absence brings her “the first experi…

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In the story

Mrs. Tilney appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Tilney unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Tilney in xix