The Country of the Pointed Firs · Character

Mrs. Almira Todd

The narrator's landlady and a formidable herb-gathering widow whose kitchen, opinions, and buried griefs anchor the whole village of Dunnet Landing.

major

Also known as Mrs. Todd, Almira Todd, Almiry Todd, Almiry, Mis' Todd

First appearance: II: Mrs. Todd

As a major figure in The Country of the Pointed Firs, Mrs. Almira Todd is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A widow and skilled herbalist who runs a bustling business from her home, brewing remedies and spruce beer.

In the storyII: Mrs. ToddOpen this moment free

Mrs. Todd sells remedies, keeps a sharp tongue, and treats her boarder as both guest and confidante, all while guarding certain family sorrows — notably the fate of her late husband's cousin Joanna. Her authority over local memory makes her the gatekeeper of every story the narrator hears. Blunt, superstitious, and unexpectedly tender, she is the book's warm center of gravity.

See Mrs. Almira Todd in II: Mrs. Todd Book page

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Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core Family & Recluses
Community & Local Color
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the narrator, moved by the story of Joanna’s hermitage, insis…

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In the story

Mrs. Almira Todd appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Mrs. Todd
A widow and skilled herbalist who runs a bustling business from her home, brewing remedies and spruce beer. She reveals a past unrequited love to the narrator.
The Schoolhouse
Her customers and medical practice drive the narrator to seek solitude; she later visits the schoolhouse to gather tansy.
At the Schoolhouse Window
Walks in the funeral procession, visibly grieving for her old friend Mrs. Begg.
Captain Littlepage
Mentioned as having told the narrator that Captain Littlepage overset his mind with reading and has 'spells'.
VII: The Outer Island
Meets the narrator after the visit with Captain Littlepage, points out Green Island where her mother lives, and plans a trip there.
Green Island
Organizes the trip to Green Island, handles the dory and trawl, and shares stories about the islands and her family.
IX: William
Arrives with the narrator and Johnny Bowden, teases William affectionately, and orchestrates the visit to her mother's home.
Where Pennyroyal Grew
Leads the narrator to a private, sacred place where she gathers pennyroyal and confides her grief over Nathan and a lost love.
XI: The Old Singers
Commands her mother and brother to sing, shows emotion during the songs, and arranges for the transport of goods back home.
A Strange Sail
Mrs. Todd eagerly anticipates and then welcomes her old friend Mrs. Fosdick, sharing memories and stories of their youth.
XIII: Poor Joanna
Narrates the story of Joanna, her cousin by marriage, and reflects on her life and choices.
XIV: The Hermitage
Tells the story of visiting Joanna on Shell-heap Island, describing her home and her refusal to return.
On Shell-Heap Island
Mentioned as having compared Joanna to a saint in the desert.
The Great Expedition
Plans the expedition to the Bowden reunion, expresses disappointment about the chaise, and joy at her mother's arrival.
A Country Road
Drives the wagon, makes stops for visits, and shares her wisdom about trees and people. She is focused on reaching the reunion.
XVIII: The Bowden Reunion
Proudly accompanies her mother, receives honor from the crowd, and expresses deep emotion at seeing her mother lead the procession.
XIX: The Feast’s End
Mrs. Todd helps with the pie, comments on the poetess, and drives home with her mother and the narrator.
XX: Along Shore
Referenced by Elijah Tilley as a good woman; he plans to bring her mackerel.
The Backward View
Mrs. Todd avoids a direct farewell, leaves parting gifts, and walks away toward the Port to inquire about Mrs. Edward Caplin.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Almira Todd in II: Mrs. Todd