The Eustace Diamonds · Character

Miss Macnulty

Lizzie's poor, patient companion, who answers impertinent questions about her mistress's income and finds herself, to her own astonishment, enjoying Mr. Emilius's attentions.

supporting

Also known as Macnulty, Poor Miss Macnulty, the unfortunate Macnulty, poor Macnulty, the faithful Macnulty

First appearance: ii lady eustace

As a supporting figure in The Eustace Diamonds, Miss Macnulty is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Reluctantly caught in the middle, she listens to the quarrel and later advises Lizzie to give up the diamonds for peace, though she fears both women.

In the storyLady Linlithgow's MissionOpen this moment free

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Miss Macnulty is the faithful, threadbare dependent who trails after Lizzie through country houses and hunting fields, grateful for scraps of notice and careful never to betray a secret she does not possess. She is teased about Mr. Emilius and half-likes it, since the idea of having a lover, married man or not, is delightful to her. Her small vanities and quiet endurance throw Lizzie's grander selfishness into relief, and her presence measures the cost of living at another woman's pleasure.

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See Miss Macnulty in ii lady eustace

Character Web

3 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended Society and Minor Characters
Eustace Diamonds Circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the narrative climax occurs as Lizzie Eustace reaches an emotional and psychological peak of…

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In the story

Miss Macnulty appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lady Linlithgow's Mission
Reluctantly caught in the middle, she listens to the quarrel and later advises Lizzie to give up the diamonds for peace, though she fears both women.
The Conquering Hero Comes
Sent away by Lizzie to allow private conversations with Lord Fawn.
X: Lizzie and Her Lover
Lizzie's dependent companion; hears Lizzie's complaints about the marriage and doubts the match will proceed.
As My Brother
Mentioned as having gone to church while Lizzie stays home.
The Diamonds Become Troublesome
Accompanies Lizzie, is stiff and unsympathetic after the confrontation, and considers leaving her service.
XXI: “Ianthe’s Soul”
Lizzie's humble companion who is hard, unresponsive, and unable to pretend belief in Lizzie's rhapsodies; she finds the light too strong and cannot appreciate the poetry.
Lady Eustace Procures a Pony for the Use of Her Cousin
Lizzie's paid companion, who prefers novel-reading to providing the emotional support Lizzie demands.
Frank Greystock's Second Visit to Portray
Present as Lizzie's companion, makes a brief comment about ladies liking diamonds.
XLVIII: Lizzie’s Condition
Miss Macnulty is mentioned as being consternated by the police search of Portray Castle.
Lizzie Returns to Scotland
Receives Lizzie and Frank at Portray Castle; delivers Lizzie's curt message to Frank; shows attentiveness and curiosity about the journey.
Once More at Portray
Mentioned as the unfortunate companion who cannot lie and is unable to control her disappointment at being ignored by Mr. Emilius.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Macnulty in ii lady eustace

See Miss Macnulty in Lady Linlithgow's Mission