Short Fiction · Character
Mary Hill
A sensitive, highly strung girl whose invented rival, Amy, stands between her and the man who loves her.
major
Also known as Mary, Poor little Mary, Polly, poor Polly
First appearance: when papa swore in hindustani
As a major figure in Short Fiction, Mary Hill is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Mary Anthony Cardew, Bobbie's wife, a hospital nurse with a strong will who tries to reform Bobbie.
Mary Hill is the most spiritual, highly strung girl that ever drew breath, according to Wilton, and she has refused him because of Amy, a woman who does not exist. Wilton invented Amy to escape being his small town's cheerful strong man, and the fiction has hardened into a barrier neither of them can cross. Her scruple, real to her and absurd to everyone else, turns a country-town courtship into a study of how a lie can become a conscience.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
34 connectionsA slice of how Mary Hill sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Other
Character groups
- Central cast of characters
- Mischievous young woman and associates
- Protagonist
+29 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the narrator’s pervasive homesickness and alienation crystallize as she hears t…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Joe Rendal
romantic · positive
Joe and Mary share a deeply affectionate and possibly romantic bond, with frequent… How this plays out →
- Joe Rendal
romantic · positive
Joe and Mary share a deeply affectionate and possibly romantic bond, with frequent… How this plays out →
- Joe Rendal
romantic · positive
Joe and Mary share a deeply affectionate and possibly romantic bond, with frequent… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mary Hill in when papa swore in hindustaniIn the story
Mary Hill appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mary Hill unlock in the free preview.
See Mary Hill in when papa swore in hindustani