Plum Bun · Character

Mattie Murray

A cousin of the Murray family from the South.

minor

Also known as Maude, Matthew, Matt

First appearance: Chapter VI

Mattie Murray's tie to Angela Murray is one of the pressures that moves Plum Bun—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The mother who passes for white to access privileges, shaping Angela's understanding of race.

In the storyPlum Bun: A Novel Without a MoralOpen this moment free

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With Angela Murray (family): Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices. With Jinny (family): Jinny is a close family friend or relative who shares a warm bond with Mattie. With Virginia…

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See Mattie Murray in Chapter VI

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Philadelphia Family and Roots
Extended Cast and Background
Protagonist
Angela's New York Circle

+19 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Angela experiences a profound emotional and psychological rever…

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Relationships

Angela Murray
family · positive
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices. How this plays out →
Jinny
family · positive
Virginia Murray
family · positive
Angela Murray
family · positive
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices. How this plays out →
Angela Murray
family · positive
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices. How this plays out →
Virginia Murray
family · positive
Virginia Murray
family · positive
Jinny
family · positive
Jinny
family · positive

Angela Murray
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices.
Jinny
Jinny is a close family friend or relative who shares a warm bond with Mattie.
Virginia Murray
Mother and daughter with a caring but sometimes strained relationship due to racial passing.
Angela Murray
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices.
Angela Murray
Angela's mother, whose own passing-for-white influences Angela's choices.
Virginia Murray
Mother and daughter with a caring but sometimes strained relationship due to racial passing.
Virginia Murray
Mother and daughter with a caring but sometimes strained relationship due to racial passing.
Jinny
Jinny is a close family friend or relative who shares a warm bond with Mattie.
Jinny
Jinny is a close family friend or relative who shares a warm bond with Mattie.

Relationship notes

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

See Mattie Murray in Chapter VI

In the story

Mattie Murray appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral
The mother who passes for white to access privileges, shaping Angela's understanding of race.
Home
Mattie's Saturday excursions with Angela reveal her role in shaping Angela's understanding of racial passing and belonging.
I
Angela's mother, who enjoys passing as white for innocent pleasures but remains devoted to her Black husband and family.
II
Mattie is content in her marriage, grateful for Junius's protection, and wipes away happy tears during the family singing.
III
Reflects on her past as a domestic servant, her experiences with Madame Sylvio and Haynes Brokinaw, and her marriage to Junius Murray.
V
Enjoys the comforts provided by her daughters; recalls past discussions about the girls' futures and still deeply loves her husband.
Market
Present in the market, possibly shopping or socializing.
Home Again
Angela's mother, present at the family home, embodying the familial ties and expectations.
Chapter VI
Mentioned in context of hair texture similar to Sara Penton's.
Chapter VI
Proprietress of the Harlem hairdressing shop, a refined woman from Texas who provides a welcoming space.
Market Is Done
Present at the market, engaged in shopping and social exchanges.
II
Mentioned as Matthew Henson; Angela encourages him to pursue Virginia.
III
Referenced as Matthew; helps Anthony select Angela's Christmas present.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mattie Murray unlock in the free preview.

See Mattie Murray in Chapter VI

See Mattie Murray in Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral