Sinister Street · Character

Miss Carthew

The governess whose Valentine's Day arrival so captivates young Michael that he defies Nanny and throws away every card rather than give her a cheap one.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Ross, Dear Mrs. Ross

First appearance: The First Fairy Princess

As a supporting figure in Sinister Street, Miss Carthew is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arrives as Michael's governess, bringing liveliness and stories of her adventurous youth; becomes a beloved figure who inspires Michael.

In the storyThe First Fairy PrincessOpen this moment free

Miss Carthew enters the household as a figure of almost royal anticipation, and Michael's determination to present her with an apple-green satin Valentine becomes his first act of open rebellion against Nurse's authority. When he is forced to abandon the shilling card, he drops the whole packet down a drain rather than submit. Her arrival marks the beginning of a formative attachment in Michael's early life.

See Miss Carthew in The First Fairy Princess Book page

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Character Web

6 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended Family and Diverse Acquaintances
School and Family Circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This passage functions as the dramatic climax because it marks the moment when the author explicitly breaks th…

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In the story

Miss Carthew appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The First Fairy Princess
Arrives as Michael's governess, bringing liveliness and stories of her adventurous youth; becomes a beloved figure who inspires Michael.
VI: The Enchanted Palace
Hosts Michael at Cobble Place, reveals she will move to Carlington Road to teach Michael and Stella.
VII: Randell House
Accompanies Michael during his holiday in Folkestone and introduces him to General Mace.
VIII: Siamese Stamps
Signs Michael's home-book, insists on healthier combinations and Harris tweed, and teases Michael about his historical sympathies.
Holidays in France
Drives Michael to Victoria Station and hands him over to Mr. Lodge for the trip.
II: The Quadruple Intrigue
Accompanies Michael to Eastbourne; writes to Mrs. Merivale about the invitation; later finds Michael and Alan with Dora and Winnie.
Pastoral
Falls ill again, later writes to Michael about her engagement to Captain Ross.
XI: Action and Reaction
Now Mrs. Ross, meets Michael and Alan at a Southampton hotel; Michael notes her dignity and bravery.
XII: Alan
Writes a letter to Michael expressing grief over her husband's death and her concern for her son.
XV: Grey Eyes
Greets Mrs. Fane at the station, drives off with her, and later has a profound conversation with Michael in the orchard about personality and Alan's loyalty.
XVI: Blue Eyes
Sends a letter to Michael apologizing for her earlier reaction; Michael responds coldly.
Music
Sits beside Mrs. Fane at the concert, both in mourning.
X: Stella in Oxford
Engages in a deep conversation with Michael about his past, education, and Stella's character.
XI: Sympathy
Seen at Cobble Place with her son Kenneth as Michael says goodbye.
Seeds of Pomegranate
Hosts Michael at Cobble Place; discusses Stella's disapproval of Lily.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Carthew in The First Fairy Princess