Oliver Twist · Character

Rose Maylie

A gentle, guileless young woman whose compassion draws Oliver into a household of warmth, even as her own heart wrestles with a love she believes she must refuse.

major

Also known as Rose, Miss Rose, dear Rose, Maylie

First appearance: XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted

As a major figure in Oliver Twist, Rose Maylie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The young lady who orders that Oliver be treated kindly and taken upstairs.

In the storyXXVIII: Looks After Oliver, and Proceeds with His AdventuresOpen this moment free

See Rose Maylie in XXVIII: Looks After Oliver, and Proceeds with His Adventures Book page

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Rose belongs to the comfortable Maylie household that shelters Oliver after his fever, and her tenderness toward the boy becomes the emotional counterweight to the workhouse and the den. When Nancy reveals what she knows of Oliver's past, Rose is torn between a sacred promise of confidence and her burning wish to see the outcast girl redeemed. Her sleepless deliberations and reluctance to summon Harry back show a heart pulled between duty, secrecy, and feeling, making her the story's quiet moral center.

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See Rose Maylie in XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted

Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how Rose Maylie sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Romantic
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Fagin's criminal gang
Protagonist
Supporting characters from Oliver's past and resolution

+23 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the dramatic climax occurs when Rose Maylie, previously depicted as cheerful and in high spir…

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Relationships

Oliver Twist
family · positive
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection. How this plays out →
Harry Maylie
romantic · positive
Mr. Losberne
friendship · positive
Mrs. Maylie
family · positive
Harry Maylie
romantic · positive
Oliver Twist
family · positive
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection. How this plays out →
Mrs. Maylie
family · positive
Mr. Losberne
friendship · positive
Harry Maylie
romantic · positive
Oliver Twist
family · positive
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection. How this plays out →
Mr. Losberne
friendship · positive
Mrs. Maylie
family · positive

Oliver Twist
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection.
Harry Maylie
Harry is Rose's devoted suitor, and they eventually marry after overcoming social obstacles.
Mr. Losberne
Dr. Losberne is a trusted family friend and physician to Rose and the Maylie household.
Mrs. Maylie
Mrs. Maylie is Rose's adoptive mother, raising her with love and gentility.
Harry Maylie
Harry is Rose's devoted suitor, and they eventually marry after overcoming social obstacles.
Oliver Twist
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection.
Mrs. Maylie
Mrs. Maylie is Rose's adoptive mother, raising her with love and gentility.
Mr. Losberne
Dr. Losberne is a trusted family friend and physician to Rose and the Maylie household.
Harry Maylie
Harry is Rose's devoted suitor, and they eventually marry after overcoming social obstacles.
Oliver Twist
Rose is Oliver's maternal aunt, and she treats him with deep affection and protection.
Mr. Losberne
Dr. Losberne is a trusted family friend and physician to Rose and the Maylie household.
Mrs. Maylie
Mrs. Maylie is Rose's adoptive mother, raising her with love and gentility.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Rose Maylie in XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted

In the story

Rose Maylie appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXVIII: Looks After Oliver, and Proceeds with His Adventures
The young lady who orders that Oliver be treated kindly and taken upstairs.
XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted
The young lady, not past seventeen, described as gentle, pure, and beautiful; she is busily engaged at the table.
XXX: Relates What Oliver's New Visitors Thought of Him
Pleads for Oliver's mercy, weeps over him, and advocates for his protection.
Involves a Critical Position
Helps nurse Oliver back to health alongside Mrs. Maylie and Mr. Losberne.
Of the Happy Life Oliver Began to Lead with His Kind Friends
Kindly reassures Oliver of his future opportunities to serve, and expresses joy in her aunt's rescue of him.
Wherein the Happiness of Oliver and His Friends Experiences a Sudden Check
Rose suddenly falls ill with a dangerous fever, causing deep concern for her aunt and Oliver.
XXXIV: Contains Some Introductory Particulars Relative to a Young Gentleman Who Now Arrives Upon the Scene; and a New Adventure Which Happened to Oliver
Though still recovering and not present in the scene, her improving health is the central cause of joy and the subject of the emotional conversation between Harry and Mrs. Maylie.
XXXV: Containing the Unsatisfactory Result of Oliver’s Adventure; and a Conversation of Some Importance Between Harry Maylie and Rose
Rose recovers from illness but is troubled; she rejects Harry's proposal due to the stigma of her birth.
Chapter XXXVI: Is a Very Short One, and May Appear of No Great Importance in Its Place, but It Should Be Read Notwithstanding, as a Sequel to the Last, and a Key to One That Will Follow When Its Time Arrives
Watches Harry's departure from behind a curtain; weeps with sorrow after he leaves.
A Strange Interview, Which Is a Sequel to the Last Chapter
Rose listens to Nancy's revelations and pleads with her to escape her criminal life, but is ultimately unable to persuade her.
XLI: Containing Fresh Discoveries, and Showing That Surprises, Like Misfortunes, Seldom Come Alone
Rose is conflicted about how to handle Nancy's secret, ultimately deciding to consult Harry Maylie. She facilitates Oliver's reunion with Mr. Brownlow and shares Nancy's story with him.
XLVI: The Appointment Kept
Accompanies Mr. Brownlow to the meeting and pledges her word to Nancy that Fagin will not be prosecuted without her consent.
Affording an Explanation of More Mysteries Than One, and Comprehending a Proposal of Marriage with No Word of Settlement or Pin-Money
Travels with Oliver, comforts him, and is present during the confession.
LIII: And Last
Marries Harry Maylie and lives happily.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Rose Maylie unlock in the free preview.

See Rose Maylie in XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted

See Rose Maylie in XXVIII: Looks After Oliver, and Proceeds with His Adventures