# Mrs. Clay — Persuasion character guide

> Mrs. Clay in Persuasion by Jane Austen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** poor Mrs. Clay, a Mrs. Clay

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A poor widow with freckles, a soft manner, and an unmistakable talent for making herself necessary to Sir Walter and Elizabeth.

## Who they are

Mrs. Clay has attached herself to the Elliot household as companion and confidante, and her attentions to Sir Walter are just ambiguous enough to trouble Anne without alarming Elizabeth. Lady Russell sees the danger plainly; Anne sees it too, but cannot decide whether it is ambition or something subtler. Her presence shadows the family's future and quietly tests how much Anne's warnings will be heeded.

## In the story

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/ii)

The daughter of Mr. Shepherd, a clever young woman who has formed an intimacy with Elizabeth, which Lady Russell wishes to see interrupted.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/iii)

Supports the idea of a naval tenant, praising sailors' neatness and care, and defends professions against Sir Walter's criticism.

### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xv)

Present and smiling, her courtesies are described as a matter of course. She appears to encourage Elizabeth's belief that Mr. Elliot's interest is in her.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xvi)

Mrs. Clay is persuaded to remain in Bath after a pretense of leaving, and is the recipient of Sir Walter's flattery.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xx)

Part of Sir Walter's party at the concert, though not prominently featured.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxii)

Appears obliging and placid despite Mr. Elliot's interference with her designs on Sir Walter; seen in private conversation with Mr. Elliot.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_clay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters