Mrs. Ray

Rachel Ray

Mrs. Ray is Rachel's loving but anxious mother, deeply protective and often torn between her daughter's happiness and social propriety.

Luke Rowan

Luke interacts frequently with Mrs. Ray as he courts Rachel, seeking her approval and navigating her cautious nature.

Mr. Prong

Mr. Prong is a manipulative evangelical minister who exerts undue influence over Mrs. Ray, exploiting her religious guilt.

Mrs. Rowan

Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Rowan interact as mothers of the young couple, navigating the social implications of Luke and Rachel's relationship.

Honyman

Honyman is likely a lawyer or business associate who advises Mrs. Ray on practical matters.

Mrs. Prime

Mrs. Prime is Mrs. Ray's eldest daughter, whose domineering and judgmental attitude strains their mother-daughter bond.

Mr. Comfort

Mr. Comfort serves as Mrs. Ray's spiritual advisor, offering her counsel and countering Mr. Prong's influence.

Butler Cornbury

Butler Cornbury is a local gentleman who interacts with Mrs. Ray in social and community contexts.

Mr. Hart

Mr. Hart is a local acquaintance who interacts with Mrs. Ray in the village social circle.

Rachel Ray

Mrs. Ray is Rachel's loving but anxious mother, deeply protective and often torn between her daughter's happiness and social propriety.

Rachel Ray

Mrs. Ray is Rachel's loving but anxious mother, deeply protective and often torn between her daughter's happiness and social propriety.

Luke Rowan

Luke interacts frequently with Mrs. Ray as he courts Rachel, seeking her approval and navigating her cautious nature.

The Ray Family

The widowed mother, a sweet-tempered, timid woman who fears young men as 'wolves.' She is caught between her affection for Rachel and her deference to her domineering daughter Mrs. Prime.

The Young Man from the Brewery

Reluctantly confronts Rachel about Luke Rowan after being prompted by Mrs. Prime and Miss Pucker, but is easily reassured and remains anxious.

III: The Arm in the Clouds

Anxious and sorrowful about Rachel's late return; had trusted her earlier.

IV: What Shall Be Done About It?

Torn between her two daughters, she struggles to decide what to do and hopes to hear Rachel's side of the story.

Mr. Comfort Gives His Advice

Seeks Mr. Comfort's advice about Rachel attending the party, torn between her daughters' influences.

Preparations for Mrs. Tappitt's Party

Consults Mr. Comfort and reluctantly decides to support Rachel's attendance at the party.

An Account of Mrs. Tappitt's Ball—Concluded

Waits up for Rachel, listens eagerly to her account of the ball, is surprised but not angry about the waltzing.

IX: Mr. Prong at Home

Saddened by Mrs. Prime's departure; focuses on household accounts and the financial impact of the split.

Luke Rowan Takes His Tea Quite Like a Steady Young Man

Anxiously awaits Luke's visit; speaks with him privately about his intentions toward Rachel; grows fond of him during tea despite her worries.

XII: Rachel Ray Thinks “She Does Like Him”

Defends her decision to allow Luke's visits, reveals Luke's declaration to Rachel, and gives Rachel permission to accept his courtship.

Mr. Tappitt in His Countinghouse

Mentioned as having received Luke's declaration of intentions; discussed as living in a humble cottage.

XIV: Luke Rowan Pays a Second Visit to Bragg’s End

Visits Mrs. Prime in Baslehurst, anxious about the discussion of Luke Rowan; later returns to learn of Rachel's engagement and is overjoyed.

Maternal Eloquence

Defends Rachel against the accusations, though she is tearful and overwhelmed by the confrontation.

XVI: Rachel Ray’s First Love-Letter

Torn between her duty to advise Rachel and her fear of making a mistake; considers consulting Mr. Comfort about the letter.

Electioneering

Defends Luke's letter as honest; plans to consult Mr. Comfort about the situation.

XVIII: Dr. Harford

Mrs. Ray is concerned about Rachel's unhappy look and seeks advice from Mr. Comfort, while also expressing her own fondness for Luke Rowan.

Mr. Comfort Calls at the Cottage

Anxious mother seeking Mr. Comfort's advice about Luke's letter to Rachel.

XX: Showing What Rachel Ray Thought When She Sat on the Stile, and How She Wrote Her Letter Afterwards

Watches over Rachel carefully, offers to accompany her on a walk, and is to read the letter once written.

Mrs. Ray Goes to Exeter, and Meets a Friend

Tormented by Rachel's misery; recalls the painful visit from Mrs. Prime, Mr. Prong, and Miss Pucker; travels to Exeter, meets Luke Rowan in the street, and learns rumors about him from Mr. Goodall; is eventually forced to reveal the meeting to Rachel.

The Baslehurst Gazette

Mrs. Ray insists that Mrs. Prime acknowledge Rachel's proper conduct before returning to the cottage.

Cornbury Grange

Referenced as part of the cottage women who doubted Luke.

Mrs. Prime Reads Her Recantation

Accompanies Rachel back to the cottage, nervous about telling Mrs. Prime. She defends Luke warmly and mediates between her daughters.

Conclusion

Mrs. Ray remains at the cottage with Mrs. Prime but spends much time at the brewery.