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Pollyanna Grows Up · Character

Mrs. Murphy

Jerry's mother, a poor Irish widow in the tenements.

minor

Also known as Murphy

First appearance: In Murphy's Alley

Mrs. Murphy shows up with force in Jamie. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referred to as 'mumsey' by Jamie.
In the storyJamieOpen this moment free

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In Jamie: Referred to as 'mumsey' by Jamie. She took Jamie in after his father died and cares for him despite their poverty. Later, in In Murphy's Alley: Jamie's caretaker, a twisted woman with rheumatism, who offers…

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

See Mrs. Murphy in In Murphy's Alley

Character Web

6 connections

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

JMJerry MurphyJKJamie KentPWPollyanna Whit…APAunt PollyTCThomas ChiltonMMMrs. Murphy

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Beldingsville Household
  • Boston Tenement Friends
  • Protagonist
  • Minor and Background Characters

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this passage, the emotional peak occurs as Jimmy Pendleton fully confronts his agonizing belief that Pollya…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Mrs. Murphy appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Murphy unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Murphy in In Murphy's Alley