The Cloven Foot · Character

Mrs. Treverton

John Treverton's gentle mother, who walks the frost-bound road with her children and knows nothing of the degradation her son has buried.

supporting

Also known as poor Mrs. Treverton, Treverton

First appearance: i the heir presumptive

As a supporting figure in The Cloven Foot, Mrs. Treverton is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mrs. Treverton moves through the Sunday churchyard scene with quiet dignity, declining luncheon invitations and reminding her children to be punctual. She is the mother of John Treverton, a man whose past she does not fully know, and her presence at the Manor House gate frames the social world he has climbed into. Her innocence of his first marriage makes her a silent stake in the secret Gerard holds over her son.

See Mrs. Treverton in i the heir presumptive Book page

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Character Web

39 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Core cast and family
Extended cast and historical references
Protagonist

+34 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional peak where Laura’s trust and love are directl…

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Relationships

Laura Malcolm
family · ambivalent
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. How this plays out →
Celia Clare
social · positive
Mrs. Malcolm
family · ambivalent
Edward Clare
psychological · negative
Mr. Sampson
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Desrolles
professional · ambivalent
La Chicot
psychological · negative
Miss Sampson
professional · ambivalent
Laura Malcolm
family · ambivalent
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. How this plays out →
Celia Clare
social · positive
Laura Malcolm
family · ambivalent
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. How this plays out →
Mrs. Malcolm
family · ambivalent

Laura Malcolm
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. Treverton, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by deep emotional bonds and conflict.
Celia Clare
Celia is a frequent visitor and acquaintance of Mrs. Treverton, often involved in the household's social dynamics.
Mrs. Malcolm
Mrs. Malcolm is likely a relative (possibly sister or in-law) of Mrs. Treverton, sharing familial ties and occasional tensions.
Edward Clare
Edward is manipulated by Mrs. Treverton, who exerts control over his actions and affections for her own ends.
Mr. Sampson
Mr. Sampson is a lawyer or business associate of Mrs. Treverton, handling her legal and financial affairs.
Mr. Desrolles
Mr. Desrolles is a business partner or legal advisor to Mrs. Treverton, involved in her financial schemes.
La Chicot
La Chicot is a pawn in Mrs. Treverton's manipulations, used to gather information and carry out covert tasks.
Miss Sampson
Miss Sampson is a secretary or companion to Mrs. Treverton, assisting with correspondence and household management.
Laura Malcolm
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. Treverton, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by deep emotional bonds and conflict.
Celia Clare
Celia is a frequent visitor and acquaintance of Mrs. Treverton, often involved in the household's social dynamics.
Laura Malcolm
Laura is the daughter of Mrs. Treverton, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by deep emotional bonds and conflict.
Mrs. Malcolm
Mrs. Malcolm is likely a relative (possibly sister or in-law) of Mrs. Treverton, sharing familial ties and occasional tensions.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mrs. Treverton in i the heir presumptive