# Rose Williams — The Clever Woman of the Family character guide

> Rose Williams in The Clever Woman of the Family by Charlotte M. Yonge.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Rosie, Rose, little Rose, Tempest Rose

**First appearance:** 0002-iii-mackarel-lane

## Snapshot

Ermine's young sister, a bright, mischievous child whose small world of lessons and dolls conceals a past that will matter more than anyone expects.

## Who they are

Little Rose Williams plays quietly under Ermine's care, presenting her doll Violetta to visitors and laughing at the notion of making noise. She is the household's sunlight, but her history — including a cruel maid who once ill-used her — surfaces in adult conversation with consequences no one yet foresees. Her innocence and vulnerability anchor the story's concern with how the weak are treated and protected.

## In the story

### [V: Military Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/v-military-society)

Encountered by Colonel Keith on the street and leads him to her aunt Ermine, facilitating the reunion.

### [VI: Ermine's Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/vi-ermine-s-resolution)

Interacts with Colin Keith, presenting her doll Violetta.

### [XXVII: The Post Bag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxvii-the-post-bag)

Writes a letter to Colonel Keith about her father's arrival, showing her excitement and a hint of disappointment that he did not come.

### [XXX: Who Is the Clever Woman?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxx-who-is-the-clever-woman)

Light and gracious, she helps with the children and participates in the games, showing her youthful energy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rose_williams
- 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