Salem Chapel · Character

Mrs. Tozer

The butterman's wife and a steady Salem matron, generous with her table, her credit, and her plain-spoken judgments of the young pastor.

supporting

Also known as Tozer, the gentler Mrs. Tozer, young Tozer, Already Tozer

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Salem Chapel, Mrs. Tozer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The hostess of the tea party, a deacon's wife who wears a brilliant gown and cap, and who insists on Vincent sitting in the best seat.

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Mrs. Tozer presides over the comfortable, well-fed household where the minister is always welcome and where loyalty to Salem is measured in dinners and deeds. She is frank where her husband is magnanimous, reminding Vincent that few would have stood by him as Tozer has, and her daughter Phoebe's devoted sighs hover awkwardly between them. Practical and warm-hearted, she embodies the congregation's mixture of genuine kindness and self-congratulation that Arthur must learn to accept without flinching.

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See Mrs. Tozer in I

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Family
Other

Character groups

Central scandal participants
Protagonist
Visitors and outsiders

+14 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological nadir for Vincent, who fa…

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Relationships

Arthur Vincent
social · positive
Miss Vincent
social · positive
Phoebe Tozer
family · positive
Mrs. Vincent
social · positive
Arthur Vincent
social · positive
Phoebe Tozer
family · positive
Miss Vincent
social · positive
Arthur Vincent
social · positive
Mrs. Vincent
social · positive
Miss Vincent
social · positive
Mrs. Vincent
social · positive

Arthur Vincent
Mrs. Tozer is a member of Arthur's congregation, and their interactions are those of a minister with a parishioner.
Miss Vincent
Miss Vincent and Mrs. Tozer have a cordial acquaintance as members of the same community and church.
Phoebe Tozer
Mrs. Tozer is Phoebe's mother, and she is protective and concerned about her daughter's future.
Mrs. Vincent
Mrs. Tozer and Mrs. Vincent are acquaintances in the same social circle, often discussing church matters.
Arthur Vincent
Mrs. Tozer is a member of Arthur's congregation, and their interactions are those of a minister with a parishioner.
Phoebe Tozer
Mrs. Tozer is Phoebe's mother, and she is protective and concerned about her daughter's future.
Miss Vincent
Miss Vincent and Mrs. Tozer have a cordial acquaintance as members of the same community and church.
Arthur Vincent
Mrs. Tozer is a member of Arthur's congregation, and their interactions are those of a minister with a parishioner.
Mrs. Vincent
Mrs. Tozer and Mrs. Vincent are acquaintances in the same social circle, often discussing church matters.
Miss Vincent
Miss Vincent and Mrs. Tozer have a cordial acquaintance as members of the same community and church.
Mrs. Vincent
Mrs. Tozer and Mrs. Vincent are acquaintances in the same social circle, often discussing church matters.

Relationship notes

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See Mrs. Tozer in I

In the story

Mrs. Tozer appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
The hostess of the tea party, a deacon's wife who wears a brilliant gown and cap, and who insists on Vincent sitting in the best seat.
IV
Hosts Vincent, offers advice about marriage, and provides gossip about Lady Western and the customers.
VII
Mentioned as spreading the rumor of Vincent's supposed over-study, which impresses the Salem congregation.
VIII
Part of the 'chapel people' group waiting for Vincent after the lecture, pleased with his success.
XXI
Introduces Mrs. Vincent to Mrs. Pigeon and later speaks with her about the congregation's concerns.
Chapter XXII
Hosts a small committee at her home where Mrs. Vincent defends Arthur.
Chapter XXVII
Mentioned as the recipient of Tozer's private comments about Vincent.
XXXI
Welcomes Vincent back, speaks of the congregation's support, and contrasts his fine friends with his true friends.
Chapter XXXIV
Defends the minister at Mrs. Brown's tea-party; tries to occupy Vincent's attention in the cold drawing-room while a committee meets downstairs.
XXXV
Sits in her pew with Phoebe and Lady Western, proud and affronted, observing Lady Western's dress.
The Meeting at Salem
Sits with Phoebe on their bench, their courage failing as the crisis approaches.

Chapter companion notes

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