The Cords of Vanity · Character

Avis Beechinor

The girl Robert Townsend becomes secretly engaged to, a quiet presence whose mother's indignation and the narrator's own restless heart keep the match perpetually unannounced.

supporting

Also known as Avis, dear Avis, Avis M. Beechinor

First appearance: i he sits out a dance

As a supporting figure in The Cords of Vanity, Avis Beechinor is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The alias under which Margaret Hugonin is introduced, and the name Townsend uses in his internal monologue.

In the storyXXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and ReasonOpen this moment free

See Avis Beechinor in XXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and Reason Book page

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Avis moves through Selwoode's social set as the woman Townsend has formally chosen, though Mrs. Beechinor has wrung from him only the barest concession of a private engagement. Against the chatter of livelier women like Margaret Hugonin, Avis remains a still, almost withheld figure, and the reader is left to wonder whether Townsend's happiness is genuine or merely another of his self-flattering postures. Her quiet claim on him becomes the early measure of how badly he keeps the promises he makes.

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See Avis Beechinor in i he sits out a dance

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Central romantic triangle
Expansive social network
Protagonist
Rival and witty observers

+10 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

In this scene, the emotional peak occurs when Elena physically strikes the narrator after his social blunder,…

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Relationships

Unknown Narrator
romantic · positive
Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
romantic · positive
Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
romantic · positive
Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Avis Beechinor in i he sits out a dance

In the story

Avis Beechinor appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and Reason
The alias under which Margaret Hugonin is introduced, and the name Townsend uses in his internal monologue.
II
Margaret Hugonin's cousin, described as an 'absolutely, supremely, inexpressibly unthinkable beauty,' who initially challenges Townsend but eventually offers to show him the gardens.
III
The narrator addresses Avis in his thoughts, lamenting her effect on him.
XXV: He Advances in the Attack on Selwoode
Alias used by Margaret Hugonin during their courtship; Townsend addresses her as Avis.
V
Avis is addressed familiarly by Townsend, but she insists on formality, indicating a reserved or cautious demeanor.
VI
Declares the narrator a dear friend but insists marriage is impossible, then gradually relents to consider a November engagement.
He Assists in the Diversion of Birds
Reveals she is a poor relation, not Margaret Hugonin, and had pursued Townsend thinking he was rich. Accepts his proposal after mutual honesty.
II
Accepts Townsend's proposal after revealing she initially mistook him for Peter Blagden due to her desperation to escape poverty.
III
Questions the narrator about his preference for her over Margaret Hugonin.
He Calls, and Counsels, and Considers
The narrator declares his love for Avis but questions the wisdom of marrying her.
I
Avis is the narrator's fiancée, though the engagement is not yet announced; she has told Margaret everything.
II
Avis is mentioned as the subject of Margaret's forthcoming confidences.
III
The narrator is in love with her and planning to marry her.
IV
Avis is the narrator's current fiancée, though the engagement is kept secret.
V
Mentioned by Bettie as a 'slushy, mushy' person who will eventually throw Robin over.
IX
The narrator is in love with Avis but worries about their compatibility in a lifelong companionship, citing her difficulty with four-syllable words.
He Participates in Sundry Confidences
Writes to break off engagement and announces her marriage to Peter Blagden.
I
Avis sends a letter expressing doubt about their engagement and offering to release the narrator.
II
Writes to announce her marriage to Peter Blagden and return the narrator's letters.
IV
Mentioned as having thrown Robin over, freeing him to propose to Bettie.
II
Avis is measured against the idealized Stella by her mother, and found wanting.

Chapter companion notes

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See Avis Beechinor in i he sits out a dance

See Avis Beechinor in XXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and Reason