# Polly Peppercorn — Short Fiction character guide

> Polly Peppercorn in Short Fiction by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Polly, Peppercorn, Mary, old Peppercorn

**First appearance:** 0109-iv-jack-hollycombe

## Snapshot

A young woman courted by Jack Hollycombe in Plumplington, whose jealousy and fierce loyalty make her a formidable romantic adversary.

## Who they are

Polly Peppercorn is the object of Jack Hollycombe's suit in the Plumplington romance, and she gives as good as she gets, demanding to know where his heart truly lies. Her jealousy over Anastasia Fitzapplejohn and her refusal to be placated with easy assurances reveal a proud, passionate nature. She matters because her insistence on being chosen without reservation raises the stakes of the courtship and gives the story its sharpest emotional exchanges.

## Relationships

### [Jack Hollycombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/jack_hollycombe)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

### [Emily Greenmantle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/emily_greenmantle)

_friendship_

Emily Greenmantle and Polly Peppercorn are close friends who share confidences and social activities.

### [Jack Hollycombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/jack_hollycombe)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

### [Emily Greenmantle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/emily_greenmantle)

_friendship_

Emily Greenmantle and Polly Peppercorn are close friends who share confidences and social activities.

### [Jack Hollycombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/jack_hollycombe)

_romantic_

Jack Hollycombe and Polly Peppercorn are engaged in a lively, flirtatious romantic relationship with strong mutual attraction.

### [Emily Greenmantle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/emily_greenmantle)

_friendship_

Emily Greenmantle and Polly Peppercorn are close friends who share confidences and social activities.

## In the story

### [I: The Two Girls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/i-the-two-girls)

The bright and determined daughter of Mr. Hickory Peppercorn, who has chosen Jack Hollycombe as her lover and is prepared to fight for the match.

### [II: “Down I Shall Go”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/ii-down-i-shall-go)

Polly asserts her intention to marry Jack Hollycombe, even if it means giving up her father's money and living in reduced circumstances. She adopts a plainer dress and insists on calling Emily 'Miss Greenmantle' to reflect her new station.

### [III: Mr. Greenmantle Is Much Perplexed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/iii-mr-greenmantle-is-much-perplexed)

The brewer's daughter who is determined to marry Jack Hollycombe despite her father's objections; her actions are compared to Emily's by Mr. Peppercorn.

### [Jack Hollycombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/iv-jack-hollycombe)

The daughter of Mr. Peppercorn, determined to marry Jack Hollycombe despite her father's opposition.

### [The Young Ladies Are to Be Taken Abroad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/vi-the-young-ladies-are-to-be-taken-abroad)

Persuades her father not to take her abroad, arguing that Mr. Greenmantle has abandoned the idea.

### [The Young Ladies Are to Remain at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/vii-the-young-ladies-are-to-remain-at-home)

Negotiates with her father about marrying Jack Hollycombe, insisting on financial clarity before marriage.

### [Christmas-Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/viii-christmas-day)

Confident and content with her engagement, she enjoys the dinner and later shares a tender moment with Emily.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters/polly_peppercorn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_4_se/characters