The Documents in the Case · Character

Margaret Harrison

A romantic, book-devouring wife whose vivid imagination and quiet suffering make her the still center of a household full of noise, suspicion, and appetite.

major

Also known as Mrs. Harrison, Harrison, poor Mrs. Harrison, the excellent Harrison, The earnest Harrison, Mrs. Margaret Harrison

First appearance: Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

As a major figure in The Documents in the Case, Margaret Harrison is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Central figure in the documents, her actions and relationships are the focus of the correspondence and diary entries.

In the storyThe Documents in the CaseOpen this moment free

See Margaret Harrison in The Documents in the Case Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With Harwood Lathom (romantic): Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic. With Paul Harrison (family): Margaret and Paul are married, but their relationship is strained by Margaret's affair and Paul's suspicions. With John Munting (friendship): John is a friend and confidant to Margaret, offering support during her troubled marriage.

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The fuller portrait of Margaret Harrison sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Margaret Harrison in Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

Character Web

34 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Family
Friendship
Social
Psychological

Character groups

Central characters and investigators
Protagonist
Background references and allusions

+29 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 is the dramatic climax because it exposes the central psychological rupture: the letter reveals the lover…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Harwood Lathom
romantic · negative
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage,… How this plays out →
Paul Harrison
family · negative
John Munting
friendship · positive
Agatha Milsom
rivalry · negative
Einstein
social · positive
Amanita muscaria
psychological · negative
Sir James Lubbock
professional · ambivalent
Bungie
social · positive
Harwood Lathom
romantic · negative
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage,… How this plays out →
Paul Harrison
family · negative
Harwood Lathom
romantic · negative
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage,… How this plays out →
Bungie
social · positive

Harwood Lathom
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic.
Paul Harrison
Margaret and Paul are married, but their relationship is strained by Margaret's affair and Paul's suspicions.
John Munting
John is a friend and confidant to Margaret, offering support during her troubled marriage.
Agatha Milsom
Agatha is jealous of Margaret because of Harwood's attention, leading to a hostile relationship.
Einstein
Einstein (likely a pet or a person) is a minor social acquaintance of Margaret, not central to the plot.
Amanita muscaria
The mushroom is linked to Margaret's poisoning, representing the danger and manipulation she faces.
Sir James Lubbock
Margaret interacts with Sir James in a legal or investigative capacity, possibly as a witness or suspect.
Bungie
Bungie is a social acquaintance of Margaret, part of the same social circle but not deeply involved.
Harwood Lathom
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic.
Paul Harrison
Margaret and Paul are married, but their relationship is strained by Margaret's affair and Paul's suspicions.
Harwood Lathom
Harwood is obsessively infatuated with Margaret, pursuing her despite her marriage, creating a tense and manipulative dynamic.
Bungie
Bungie is a social acquaintance of Margaret, part of the same social circle but not deeply involved.

Relationship notes

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

See Margaret Harrison in Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

In the story

Margaret Harrison appears across 34 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Documents in the Case
Central figure in the documents, her actions and relationships are the focus of the correspondence and diary entries.
Section I: Synthesis
Introduced as the wife of George Harrison, living in the maisonnette. Her interactions with Munting and Lathom suggest a complex emotional landscape and a desire for something beyond her current life.
Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother
Mentioned as dear Mrs. Harrison, who is impractical and dreamy.
The Same to the Same
Shown as eager to engage in intellectual discussions but hurt by her husband's coldness, leading to a tearful scene.
The Same to the Same
Appears nervous during Lathom's visit and is embarrassed by George's behavior.
John Munting to Elizabeth Drake
Dismissed by Munting as a 'suburban vamp' and ex-typist, wrapped up in her own attractions.
6: The Same to the Same
Mentioned as having read Munting's novel 'Deadlock' and finding it coarse and cynical.
7: The Same to the Same
Arrives home late with a secret parcel (an anniversary gift for George), tries to keep the peace but is met with criticism.
The Same to the Same
Hosts the tea party and enthusiastically discusses Einstein and the rejection of materialism, seeking intellectual validation.
Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother
Her plan to return to office work is thwarted by her husband's emotional manipulation, leaving her in tears.
John Munting to Elizabeth Drake
Discussed as a subject of Munting's analysis; she dramatizes herself in various roles and expresses feeling cramped in her surroundings.
12: The Same to the Same
Subject of Munting's analysis; described as a 'suburban vamp' and a type he might use in a book.
The Same to the Same
Mentioned as yawning during Harrison's monologues.
George Harrison to Paul Harrison
Mentioned as not caring for camp-life and being amused by Lathom's chatter.
Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother
Upset by George's suggestion and bullying, comes to sleep with Agatha, agrees to portrait sitting.
John Munting to Elizabeth Drake
Subject of Lathom's planned portrait, which Munting thinks will be a great surprise to her husband.
Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother
Described as transformed, reading a lot and living in her books, seemingly serene and happy.
The Same to the Same
Her portrait is finished; Agatha comments on it and Mr. Harrison's reaction.
George Harrison to Paul Harrison
Has been sitting for Lathom for her portrait; excited about the idea of exhibiting it at the Academy.
Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother
Delighted with the portrait but upset by her husband's refusal to allow its exhibition; takes a firm line with him.
John Munting to Elizabeth Drake
Subject of Lathom's portrait, which Munting describes as revealing, though she may not see it.
George Harrison to Paul Harrison
Described as restless; the trip to Paris is intended to cheer her up.
Note by Paul Harrison
In Paris with George Harrison; her letters to Miss Milsom are destroyed.
Harwood Lathom to John Munting
Accompanied Lathom and her husband to Paris; shown as excited and spirited, though shocked by the cabaret.
John Munting to Elizabeth Drake
Discussed indirectly; Munting observes her cleverness and potential to use situations to her advantage.
The Same to the Same
Is the subject of George's interrogation; her absence and late arrival trigger the conflict.
George Harrison to Paul Harrison
Mentioned as being distressed and defending Munting.
Statement of John Munting
Described as a woman who craved excitement and color, using Lathom to escape her dull home life.
Margaret Harrison to Harwood Lathom
Writes a desperate letter to her lover, expressing misery in her marriage and longing for Lathom.
Section II: Analysis
Central figure in the analysis, her psychological state and motivations are examined.
Margaret Harrison to Harwood Lathom
Writes the letter, expressing relief at her husband's death and planning her future with Lathom.
Extract from the Morning Express of Tuesday, October 21st, 1929
Widow; testifies about her husband's habits and breaks down in court.
John Munting to Paul Harrison
Mentioned in the context of Lathom's affair with her, which he fears Paul has discovered.
Note by Paul Harrison
Described as morally guilty but likely to escape legal punishment for instigating the murder.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Margaret Harrison unlock in the free preview.

See Margaret Harrison in Agatha Milsom to Olive Farebrother

See Margaret Harrison in The Documents in the Case