# Mrs. Mahon — Soldiers’ Pay character guide

> Mrs. Mahon in Soldiers’ Pay by William Faulkner.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the new Mrs. Mahon, Mahon

**First appearance:** 0015-i

## Snapshot

Donald Mahon's mother, who finds unexpected companionship with Joe Gilligan and can be freer with him now that he no longer hopes to marry her.

## Who they are

Walking the rose avenue beneath the oaks, Mrs. Mahon tells Gilligan she never knew anyone she liked half this much, and teases him that he is too nice to escape marriage forever. She is the household's quiet center of grief and hospitality, tending the wounded son who has come home and absorbing the strange new people the war has deposited around him. When Emmy reports Jones's skulking, it is Mrs. Mahon who offers to tell Joe — a small gesture that shows how she keeps the fragile peace of the rectory.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/vii)

Shows strained care for Donald, conflicted by his condition.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/iii)

Walks with Gilligan in the garden, enjoying their renewed companionship and the spring evening.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/iv)

Offers to tell Joe about Jones's behavior, but Emmy refuses her help.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/v)

Cares for Donald, likes the specialist but dislikes Dr. Gary.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/vii)

Sits with Gilligan and the rector, makes witty remarks at Jones's expense, and shows concern for Donald's sleep.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/chapters/i)

Tries to comfort Emmy after the funeral, gently urging her to come.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/characters/mrs_mahon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/soldiers_pay_se/characters