# Fanny Temple — The Clever Woman of the Family character guide > Fanny Temple in The Clever Woman of the Family by Charlotte M. Yonge. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Fanny, poor Fanny, Francie, Grace **First appearance:** 0000-i-in-search-of-a-mission ## Snapshot Rachel's pretty, fragile sister, widowed young and sheltered into helplessness, whose helplessness becomes the very problem Rachel is determined to solve. ## Who they are Fanny Temple has been protected her whole life — first by her mother, then by a doting elderly husband who spared her every trouble, and now by the well-meaning friends who manage her affairs. Left with children and no experience of decision, she drifts between gratitude and vague anxiety, unable to act alone. Her passive sweetness throws Rachel's restless energy into sharp relief and gives the novel its sharpest case study in what happens when women are never taught to stand. ## Relationships ### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is Rachel's close friend and confidante, often trying to temper Rachel's impulsive and self-righteous tendencies. ### [Major Keith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/major_keith) _friendship_ Fanny and Major Keith share a warm, respectful friendship, often discussing family matters and Rachel's behavior. ### [Mrs. Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/mrs_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is a close family friend to Mrs. Curtis, often acting as a bridge between Rachel and her mother. ### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is Rachel's close friend and confidante, often trying to temper Rachel's impulsive and self-righteous tendencies. ### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is Rachel's close friend and confidante, often trying to temper Rachel's impulsive and self-righteous tendencies. ### [Major Keith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/major_keith) _friendship_ Fanny and Major Keith share a warm, respectful friendship, often discussing family matters and Rachel's behavior. ### [Mrs. Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/mrs_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is a close family friend to Mrs. Curtis, often acting as a bridge between Rachel and her mother. ### [Mrs. Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/mrs_curtis) _friendship_ Fanny is a close family friend to Mrs. Curtis, often acting as a bridge between Rachel and her mother. ### [Major Keith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/major_keith) _friendship_ Fanny and Major Keith share a warm, respectful friendship, often discussing family matters and Rachel's behavior. ## In the story ### [I: In Search of a Mission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/i-in-search-of-a-mission) Rachel's cousin, arrives from abroad with her children, appears overwhelmed and dependent on Rachel's help. ### [II: Rachel's Discipline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/ii-rachel-s-discipline) Shares her past life with Mrs. Curtis, remains protective of Conrade, and apologizes for her earlier warmth. ### [III: Mackarel Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/iii-mackarel-lane) Mentioned as being easily led and backed up by Conrade; Rachel avoids committing her to the Williams' acquaintance. ### [IV: The Hero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/iv-the-hero) Excited and bright, she brings the Colonel and his young companion home, and is oblivious to the undercurrents of Alison's and Rachel's feelings. ### [V: Military Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/v-military-society) Delighted by Colonel Keith's visit, she discusses keeping Alison Williams and considers inviting Bessie Keith to stay. She feels less lonely with his presence. ### [VI: Ermine's Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/vi-ermine-s-resolution) Subject of Mrs. Curtis's concern; interacts with young Mr. Keith. ### [VII: Waiting for Rose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/vii-waiting-for-rose) Shows improved spirits, possibly due to Alexander Keith's presence; plans a dinner for Lord Keith. ### [Woman's Mission Discovered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/viii-woman-s-mission-discovered) Fanny Temple, though not present in the main scene, is mentioned as having arranged for a low pony carriage to accommodate Ermine, showing her kindness and desire to help. ### [X: The Philanthropist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/x-the-philanthropist) Agrees to be a lady patroness, though she is gentle and somewhat apologetic about it. ### [XII: A Change at the Parsonage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xii-a-change-at-the-parsonage) Fanny confides in Colonel Keith about her guilt over Mr. Touchett's departure and her desire to be more guarded. She is also relieved about Colonel Keith's news regarding Ermine. ### [XIV: The Gowanbrae Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xiv-the-gowanbrae-ball) Mentioned as a vision of grace at past balls, now seen as unspoilable by her change in circumstances. ### [XXI: The Quarter Sessions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxi-the-quarter-sessions) Present at the trial, gives evidence with grace, and later expresses relief that Mauleverer is secured, blaming herself for acting without advice. ### [The After Clap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxii-the-after-clap) Mentioned as a gentle and innocent contrast to Rachel's turmoil; Rachel hopes Fanny will not believe the rumors. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/fanny_temple - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters