# Mrs. Tom Tozer — Phoebe, Junior character guide

> Mrs. Tom Tozer in Phoebe, Junior by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Tom, old Mrs. Tozer, Tom Tozer

**First appearance:** 0000-i-the-pastor-s-progress

## Snapshot

Phoebe's mother, a shopkeeper's daughter who climbed into London respectability and now measures everything—including her own child—by appearances kept up.

## Who they are

Mrs. Tom Tozer has risen far enough from Carlingford to be embarrassed by it, and she sends Phoebe back into the old world of Salem Chapel and the butter trade with instructions to keep up appearances. Her ambition is practical rather than cruel: she wants her daughter to be a lady, and she is willing to let other people do the awkward work of bridging the gap. That mixture of social striving and maternal calculation shapes Phoebe's own cool, self-possessed navigation of Carlingford society.

## In the story

### [V: Self-Devotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/v-self-devotion)

The vulgar sister-in-law who is capable of anything; Mrs. Beecham fears she will take over the care of the grandmother and the family money.

### [XI: Phoebe’s Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xi-phoebe-s-preparations)

The rival relative Phoebe intends to thwart from securing the Tozer inheritance.

### [XII: Grange Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xii-grange-lane)

Dresses in her best for Phoebe's arrival, feels awestruck and humble, but also proud and eager to show her off at chapel.

### [XIII: The Tozer Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xiii-the-tozer-family)

Phoebe's aunt, who runs a shop and house full of children; she is practical and outspoken, and engages in a mild rivalry with old Mrs. Tozer.

### [XVII: A Public Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xvii-a-public-meeting)

Encourages Phoebe to dress up and attend the meeting, showing pride in her granddaughter and a desire for her to outshine others.

### [Tea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xxv-tea)

Convalescent, dozes by the fire, comments on china and Phoebe's capabilities.

### [XL: The Sinned-Against](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xl-the-sinned-against)

Dozing by the fire when Phoebe returns; smiles and hints at knowing about Clarence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters/mrs_tom_tozer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phoebe_junior_se/characters