# Mother Marston — Robbery Under Arms character guide

> Mother Marston in Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mother, Mother of Mercy

**First appearance:** 0001-robbery-under-arms

## Snapshot

The Marston boys' long-suffering mother, whose grief and piety frame the human cost of her family's outlaw life.

## Who they are

Mother Marston is the quiet center of the Marston family's sorrow, a woman who has watched her sons become hunted men and whose health fails under the weight of it. She clings to Dick when he returns and does not ask what he will do next, because she already knows the answer and cannot bear it. Her death, reported by Aileen, marks the emotional reckoning that the novel's later chapters demand, and her simple faith stands in judgment over the life her husband and sons have chosen.

## Relationships

### [Aileen Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/aileen_marston)

_family_

Aileen is a dutiful daughter to her long-suffering mother, sharing the burden of the family's disgrace.

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_family_

Jim feels deep guilt and love for his mother, who grieves over his criminal path.

### [Father Doyle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/father_doyle)

_social_

Father Doyle offers spiritual comfort to Mother Marston, sharing her sorrow over her sons' crimes.

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_family_

Jim feels deep guilt and love for his mother, who grieves over his criminal path.

### [Father Doyle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/father_doyle)

_social_

Father Doyle offers spiritual comfort to Mother Marston, sharing her sorrow over her sons' crimes.

### [Aileen Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/aileen_marston)

_family_

Aileen is a dutiful daughter to her long-suffering mother, sharing the burden of the family's disgrace.

### [Jim Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/jim_marston)

_family_

Jim feels deep guilt and love for his mother, who grieves over his criminal path.

### [Aileen Marston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/aileen_marston)

_family_

Aileen is a dutiful daughter to her long-suffering mother, sharing the burden of the family's disgrace.

## In the story

### [Robbery Under Arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/robbery-under-arms)

Long-suffering mother, representing the domestic and moral counterpoint to the family's lawlessness.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/i)

Dick's mother, a kind Irish emigrant who cherished the early days of her marriage.

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

Dick's mother, who pleads with her husband to stop his criminal activities and is shoved aside.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/vii)

Shows quiet emotion and relief at her sons' return, often moved to tears.

### [Homecoming and Family Tension](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xiv)

Emotional at seeing her sons, prays for their safety, grateful for their return.

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

Collapses in distress upon seeing Dick led away; later learns of Starlight's arrest.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxiii)

Mentioned as dying fast, a reason for Jim's consideration of surrender.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxv)

Remembered for her simple happiness before discovering her husband's criminal life; her sorrow and piety are contrasted with the men's current situation.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xlii)

Stays with Mrs. Storefield at George's house, comforted by old times.

### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/lii)

Quietly present during Dick's visit; looks at him without much talk.

### [The Condemned Cell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/lv)

Dick's mother, who died of a broken heart after hearing of Jim's death and Dick's capture.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters/mother_marston
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/characters