# Margot Poins — The Fifth Queen character guide

> Margot Poins in The Fifth Queen by Ford Madox Ford.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Margot, young Poins, Margot Poins, Poins

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-the-coming

## Snapshot

A large, florid, slow-speaking maid whose impulsive daring and hot loyalty to Katharine Howard keep landing her in blushes and dangerous errands.

## Who they are

Margot Poins serves in Katharine Howard's chamber, a credulous girl of rising twenty who believes her mistress is the apple of the King's eye and that her own fortune is made by that service. Gruff-voiced and easily overcome by her own boldness, she covers her mouth as if to wipe away words she has dared to speak, and she moves on tiptoe around Katharine's letter-writing as though it were necromancy. Her usefulness is constantly checked by peril: she cannot carry Katharine's letter to Bishop Gardiner because Cromwell's men watch the bishop's quarters, so her devotion must find other, quieter outlets.

## Relationships

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Margot is a loyal servant and friend to Katharine, often acting as a messenger and protector in the dangerous court.

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Margot is a loyal servant and friend to Katharine, often acting as a messenger and protector in the dangerous court.

### [Katharine Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/katharine_howard)

_friendship_

Margot is a loyal servant and friend to Katharine, often acting as a messenger and protector in the dangerous court.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/i)

The printer's niece, whom Udal wishes to teach Latin and marry.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/i)

Brought to attend Katharine; she speaks defiantly about her situation.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/iii)

Learns from her brother Hal about the libel against Katharine and the rumors of Papist plots.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/iv)

Devours the old knight with adoring eyes; defends Udal and shows anger at the beating of learned men.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/vii)

In the barge, makes an outcry of joy and relief when Katharine is rescued.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as sleeping at the foot of Katharine's bed.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/ix)

Weeping because Magister Udal has been sent to Paris; her personal troubles contribute to Katharine's isolation.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/i)

The printer's niece, who defends her attendance at Dr. Barnes's ordeal and mops the floor during the gathering.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/chapters/ii)

Katharine's maid, involved in the letter smuggling plot.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters/margot_poins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_fifth_queen_se/characters