Short Fiction · Character

Mary Crofts

A young woman raised in the quiet shadow of widowhood and genteel poverty, whose heart becomes the battleground of courtship and caution.

major

Also known as Mary, Molly, Mary Tomkins John Thomas, Mary Tomkins, John Thomas, John

First appearance: I: Mary Tomkins

As a major figure in Short Fiction, Mary Crofts is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Fred's devoted wife, who marries him despite knowing the risks, and later encourages him to seek help from his father and Mr.

In the storyThe Adventures of Fred PickeringOpen this moment free

Mary — called Molly by those close to her — grows up in a Saratoga Springs cottage where her widowed mother takes in boarders and frets constantly about the appearance of husband-hunting. The household is loving but anxious, and Mary's prospects are shaped by her mother's fear of flirtation and social embarrassment. She matters because her story tests whether a young woman of modest means can follow her own heart without bringing shame on the family that raised her.

See Mary Crofts in The Adventures of Fred Pickering Book page

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Character Web

11 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Diverse Romantic & Comic Tales
Dramatic Island Stories
Protagonist
Rural Romance & Family

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Bessy Pryor’s internal struggle reaches its emotional and psychological peak as she wrestles with the conflict…

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In the story

Mary Crofts appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Adventures of Fred Pickering
Fred's devoted wife, who marries him despite knowing the risks, and later encourages him to seek help from his father and Mr. Webb.
I: Mary Tomkins
Mary Tomkins, the niece of Mrs. Johnson, is the object of John Thomas's affection and repeatedly refuses him.
II: The First Kiss
Mary Tomkins, the protagonist, recalls a past kiss and resists new romantic advances.
III: Anastasia Fitzapplejohn
Receives a letter from Anastasia Fitzapplejohn and confronts John Thomas about his fidelity.
That Sobered Him
Mary Tomkins, heartbroken over Mr. Dribble's marriage, isolates herself and repeatedly refuses John Thomas's drunken proposal.
III: Squire Robinson
Mary Tomkins is the heart-laden girl being counseled by Squire Robinson to choose a suitor.
The New Bishop
Mary Tomkins is the central figure of the dialogue, steadfastly refusing marriage despite Jemima's persuasion.
II: The New Postmaster-General
Mary Tomkins is the object of John Thomas's affections; she refuses his proposal.
III: “Till Another Young Man Came”
Mary Tomkins, resigned to spinsterhood, embroiders and wears a gown marked 'Old Maid' until a new young man arrives.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mary Crofts in I: Mary Tomkins

See Mary Crofts in The Adventures of Fred Pickering