Orley Farm · Character

Madeline Staveley

Judge Staveley's beautiful, self-possessed daughter, courted by young Peregrine Orme while her quiet attention drifts toward the convalescent Felix Graham.

major

Also known as Madeline, young Staveley, Staveley, aunt Madeline, poor Madeline, Miss Madeline, Whereupon Madeline

First appearance: The Staveley Family

As a major figure in Orley Farm, Madeline Staveley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a beautiful and graceful young woman, the most interesting personage in the story according to the narrator.

In the storyThe Staveley FamilyOpen this moment free

See Madeline Staveley in The Staveley Family Book page

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Madeline is the prized daughter of Noningsby, raised amid comfort, church-going, and her mother's careful ambitions for a good marriage. She resists being managed, whether by Peregrine's impetuous suit or by her mother's horror at the Florence Nightingale reading that hints at a life beyond courtship. Her open door and unhurried talks with the injured Felix Graham quietly unsettle Lady Staveley's plans, making Madeline the still center of the novel's romantic weather.

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

See Madeline Staveley in The Staveley Family

Character Web

44 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Legal professionals and family
Extended cast and servants
Protagonist

+39 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Madeline and…

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Relationships

Felix Graham
romantic · positive
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated… How this plays out →
Felix Graham
romantic · positive
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated… How this plays out →
Felix Graham
romantic · positive
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated… How this plays out →

Felix Graham
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated by his prior engagement and her family's disapproval.
Felix Graham
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated by his prior engagement and her family's disapproval.
Felix Graham
Felix Graham is deeply in love with Madeline Staveley, but their romance is complicated by his prior engagement and her family's disapproval.

Relationship notes

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

See Madeline Staveley in The Staveley Family

In the story

Madeline Staveley appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Staveley Family
Introduced as a beautiful and graceful young woman, the most interesting personage in the story according to the narrator.
Christmas at Noningsby
Assists her mother at breakfast and is the object of Peregrine Orme's unspoken affection; participates in the games.
Monkton Grange
Rides with Peregrine Orme and Felix Graham to the meet, engaging in lighthearted conversation with Graham.
Breaking Covert
Shows concern for Felix Graham, fetches a shawl from the carriage, and assists in his care.
Another Fall
Receives Peregrine's proposal with surprise; is cautioned by her sister about her concern for Felix Graham.
Footsteps in the Corridor
Distressed after rejecting Peregrine Orme's proposal; struggles at dinner and later confides in her mother; shares a brief, emotional exchange with Felix Graham at his door.
The Angel of Light
Mentioned as a contrast to Mary Snow; Graham finds his thoughts wandering to her while recovering at Noningsby.
Why Should He Go?
Pleads with her mother not to move Felix Graham from the house while he is still recovering.
The Gem of the Four Families
Referred to as 'the gem of the four families'; she retreats to her room to think after warnings from her brother and sister.
It Is Quite Impossible
Confesses to her mother that she loves Felix Graham and that marrying Peregrine is 'quite impossible'; shows deep emotional distress.
Showing How Things Went on at Noningsby
Confesses her love for Felix Graham to her mother, Lady Staveley.
Telling All That Happened Beneath the Lamppost
Mentioned as the object of Felix's new love; his hope of marrying her leads him to break with Mary.
LVIII: Miss Staveley Declines to Eat Minced Veal
Resigned to a life without Felix Graham, she adopts a monastic routine and declines minced veal, prompting her mother's concern.
LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby
Sits quietly stitching during the evening, aware of her father's permission for Felix to court her but struggling with her mother's reluctance.
The Two Judges
Greets Felix and Augustus at Noningsby; later agrees to speak with Felix alone, though she feels she was too cold.
Young Lochinvar
Accepts Felix Graham's proposal in the library.
Showing How Affairs Settled Themselves at Noningsby
Engaged to Felix Graham; she speaks with him about staying at Noningsby and later bids farewell to Peregrine Orme.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Madeline Staveley unlock in the free preview.

See Madeline Staveley in The Staveley Family