# Norah Nesbit — Of Human Bondage character guide

> Norah Nesbit in Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Norah

**First appearance:** 0041-xlii

## Snapshot

A warm, hardworking writer who takes Philip in after Mildred leaves him, offering the affection he has never learned to accept.

## Who they are

Norah is a woman of modest means and generous spirit, supporting herself by her pen and loving Philip with a patience he does not return in kind. She gives him comfort, companionship, and a home when he is bruised and broke, and he is grateful in a way that never quite becomes love. Her presence in the middle of the novel shows what Philip could have if he wanted it, and makes his eventual return to Mildred all the more damning.

## Relationships

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_romantic_

A kind and supportive lover who provides Philip with genuine affection, but he leaves her for Mildred.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_romantic_

A kind and supportive lover who provides Philip with genuine affection, but he leaves her for Mildred.

### [Philip Carey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/philip_carey)

_romantic_

A kind and supportive lover who provides Philip with genuine affection, but he leaves her for Mildred.

## In the story

### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxvi)

A cheerful, practical woman who writes penny novelettes and supports herself and her child. She becomes Philip's lover and helps him heal from his past trauma.

### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxvii)

Writes cheerful letters to Philip while he is at Blackstable; he sees her daily after returning to London.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxviii)

Mentioned as someone Philip wishes to buy furs for; helps nurse Philip alongside Griffiths.

### [Chapter LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxix)

Norah is neglected by Philip, who sends telegrams to avoid seeing her after Mildred's return.

### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxx)

Norah is cheerful and loving with Philip, unaware of his betrayal. She is a successful writer of novelettes, but Philip's coldness begins to alarm her.

### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxi)

Heartbroken after Philip breaks off their relationship.

### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxvi)

Norah is briefly referenced in Philip's thoughts as he compares Mildred's tears to hers, highlighting a pattern of women weeping in his presence.

### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/lxxix)

Norah receives Philip warmly despite his past treatment, but is now involved with Kingsford, a journalist.

### [CXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxvi)

Philip thinks fondly of Norah, remembering her as a good and brave soul, though he has lost touch with her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters/norah_nesbit
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/characters