The Good Companions
A central figure in organizing and supporting the troupe.
Book I
Introduced as a spinster who learns of her niece Dorothy's engagement, prompting her to reflect on her own life.
Miss Trant Takes a Holiday
Miss Trant is the central figure of the chapter, recently freed from years of caring for her father. She is described as straight, slim, fair, and about thirty-seven, with a passion for historical romances and a growing desire for adventure.
I
Miss Trant oversees the auction of the Old Hall's contents, feels the disintegration of her home, and learns the sale total of £1,065 14s 6d. She retires to the Cottage, feeling lost but determined.
Chapter II
Feeling lost and empty after learning of Dorothy's engagement; reflects on her life, her love of historical romances, and a past romance with Dr. Hugh McFarlane.
III
Miss Trant lets Hitherton Hall to the Rathburys, visits her solicitor, buys Hilary's car, and decides to leave Hitherton.
IV
Sets out on her journey from Hitherton, feeling liberated and adventurous.
Miss Trant Is Almost a Second Columbus
Continues her solo journey, feeling transformed by independence and adventure; listens to Effie's story in Sheffield.
I
Miss Trant is the central figure of the chapter, enjoying her newfound independence as she travels alone, discovering England and engaging with strangers.
II
Miss Trant takes charge of the situation, offering to drive Mrs. Tipstead to Sheffield to recover her car and belongings.
III
Miss Trant retrieves her car from Effie's house, meets Effie, and listens to her confidences about Tipstead.
IV
Miss Trant's car breaks down; she meets and bonds with Jess Oakroyd over their shared sense of adventure.
Book II
Persists in her role with the company, embracing her independence.
In Which They All Become "Good Companions"
Miss Trant listens to the troupe's woes, decides to finance the show, and hires Jollifant and Mitcham.
I
Miss Trant meets the concert party and considers investing in the show.
The Dinner at The Royal Standard
Makes a dramatic late entrance, feeling vivid and delighted; her arrival lights up the room.
II: Very Short, and Devoted to Rehearsals
Briefly enters during Joe's love song, amused by his performance; Inigo confides in her about the tattered music sheets.
In Which Colonel Trant's Daughter Goes Into Action, Sticks to Her Guns, and May Be Considered Victorious
Takes charge of reforming the troupe, replaces costumes, and asserts her authority over the male performers.
I
Visits Miss Thong to arrange new costumes and later invites her to Sandybay.
II
Miss Trant drives to Dotworth with Jimmy and Mr. Oakroyd, feeling thrilled and anxious. She counts the sparse audience, claps fiercely after the show, and reflects on her dual identity—the adventurous new self and the cautious old self from Hitherton.
III
Miss Trant defends her new life with the concert party to her sister Hilda, feeling more resolved and unified after the visit.
IV
Feels exhausted but exhilarated after the successful show; forgets about the journey to Winstead; is called to give a speech but declines; enjoys the camaraderie of the troupe.
I
Mr. Oakroyd has tremendous respect for her, noting her class, gumption, and good looks. He believes she has plenty of money and never thinks about it.
II
Greets Jess in the morning, notices his new cap, and offers him a choice of traveling by car or train.
III
Miss Trant enjoys Winstead thoroughly, feeling at home in the pleasant market town.
The Black Week
Miss Trant arranges the Custon Hall performance, deals with the aftermath of Morton Mitcham's drunkenness, and feels overwhelmed by the despair of Tewborough.
I
Miss Trant arranged the command performance at Custon Hall, waived her share of the fee, and traveled ahead to Tewborough with Mr. Oakroyd to prepare for the week at the Theatre Royal.
II
Inspects the Theatre Royal and is horrified by its condition; deals with Mr. Droke and Mr. Finnegan.
III
Struggles with Jimmy's departure, Mitcham's apology, and the troupe's disarray; calls an urgent meeting.
IV
Leads the meeting, expresses doubt about continuing the venture, feels let down by the troupe.
All Stolen from the Mail Bag
Writes to Dorothy Chillingford about making a profit, refusing an offer from Ernie Codd, and the happiness of the Brundits having their son George for Christmas.
II
Miss Trant is praised as a perfect lady who has arranged a children's party invitation for George.
III
Defended by Jimmy as 'one of the very best' against Carrie's criticism.
VII
Mentioned as the manager of the troupe, with whom Inigo has discussed the strangeness of Luddenstall.
Chapter VIII
Narrates the chapter through a letter to Dorothy, describing her management of the troupe and the Christmas events.
Book III
Miss Trant takes on more responsibility in managing the troupe, balancing her own desires with the group's needs.
Chapter I
Mentioned as the woman running 'The Good Companions' and staying at The Crown; Mr. Ridvers plans to confront her.
II
Feeling restless after returning from Hitherton; conflicted about the Bournemouth offer and her role in the troupe.
A Chapter of Encounters
Miss Trant is unsettled after her visit to Hitherton and is persuaded by Susie to search for Dr. McFarlane.
I
Miss Trant is unsettled after her visit to Hitherton and is haunted by thoughts of Dr. McFarlane. She is both embarrassed and hopeful when Susie teases her about him.
III
Mentioned by Inigo as having pointed out his attachment to Susie.
A Benefit Performance
Suffers from shock and a fractured arm during the riot; taken to the hospital, but her injuries are not life-threatening.
I
Wondering what to do about it all; remembers a man in a car like a ghost from her past.
II
Tries to maintain order, comforts Mrs. Joe, and attempts to stop the disruptions.
III
Taken to hospital with a fractured arm and shock; the Inspector reports she will recover.
I
Recovering in the nursing home, she discusses the riot's aftermath and her responsibility for damages.
II
In a nursing home and likely liable for the riot damages; Susie plans to visit her with Mrs. Joe.
III
Susie plans to visit her to share the news and offer her benefit money to help with damages from the riot.
IV
Mentioned by Susie as falling in love with Dr. Hugh McFarlane; appears happy despite worries.
V
Recovering in the nursing home, meets with Mr. Gooch and Jess Oakroyd, learns of the investigation, and is excited by the developments.
Chapter III
Sends a letter to Jess announcing her engagement to Dr. McFarlane and the settlement of the damages claim.
