The Case of Charles Dexter Ward · Character

Mrs. Ward

Charles's mother, who suffers from the strain of her son's mysterious transformation.

minor

Also known as Ward

First appearance: the case of charles dexter ward

Mrs. Ward's tie to Charles Dexter Ward is one of the pressures that moves The Case of Charles Dexter Ward—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Faints from fright due to Charles's activities; mentioned as not pleased with Curwen ancestry.

In the storyIII: A Search and an EvocationOpen this moment free

See Mrs. Ward in III: A Search and an Evocation Book page

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With Charles Dexter Ward (family): Charles is the son of Mrs. Ward, and their relationship becomes strained as he grows secretive and obsessed with his ancestor. With Dr. Allen (professional): Dr. Allen is a mysterious physician hired by the Wards to care for Charles, but he is actually an ally of the resurrected Curwen. With Joseph Curwen (psychological): Curwen, through his possession of Charles, manipulates and terrifies Mrs. Ward, who senses her son is no longer himself.

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Character Web

11 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Investigators and Victims
Protagonist

+6 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the moment Dr. Willett and Mr. Ward fully confront and ar…

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Relationships

Charles Dexter Ward
family · ambivalent
Charles is the son of Mrs. How this plays out →
Dr. Allen
professional · negative
Joseph Curwen
psychological · negative
Joseph Curwen
psychological · negative
Joseph Curwen
psychological · negative
Dr. Allen
professional · negative

Charles Dexter Ward
Charles is the son of Mrs. Ward, and their relationship becomes strained as he grows secretive and obsessed with his ancestor.
Dr. Allen
Dr. Allen is a mysterious physician hired by the Wards to care for Charles, but he is actually an ally of the resurrected Curwen.
Joseph Curwen
Curwen, through his possession of Charles, manipulates and terrifies Mrs. Ward, who senses her son is no longer himself.
Joseph Curwen
Curwen, through his possession of Charles, manipulates and terrifies Mrs. Ward, who senses her son is no longer himself.
Joseph Curwen
Curwen, through his possession of Charles, manipulates and terrifies Mrs. Ward, who senses her son is no longer himself.
Dr. Allen
Dr. Allen is a mysterious physician hired by the Wards to care for Charles, but he is actually an ally of the resurrected Curwen.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Mrs. Ward appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Ward unlock in the free preview.

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See Mrs. Ward in III: A Search and an Evocation