# Barbara McNair — The Able McLaughlins character guide

> Barbara McNair in The Able McLaughlins by Margaret Wilson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Barbara, X Barbara McNair, Barbara McNair, McNair

**First appearance:** 0002-iii

## Who they are

A neighbor whose sharp tongue and sudden tenderness turn a wedding cake into a small act of grace for the shamed bride.

## In the story

### [The Homecoming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/i)

Not directly present in this chapter.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/viii)

The new stepmother; arrives with dowry gifts and tries to make friends with Chirstie and the children.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/x)

Arrives at the farm, feels desolate about the prairie landscape, but comforts Jeannie and begins to assert herself in the household.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/xi)

Brings a finished dress and hat for Chirstie, showing kindness and admiration for her stepdaughter.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/xii)

Takes decisive action to improve her living conditions by secretly learning to harness a horse, driving to town, and ordering lumber for a new house, all while deceiving her husband.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/chapters/xiv)

Her farm is described as the showplace of the country, with flowers, a white fence, and a lamb; she is envied by women and distrusted by men.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/characters/barbara_mcnair
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_able_mclaughlins_se/characters