Leonora Ashburnham

Edward Ashburnham

A married couple trapped in a destructive cycle of infidelity, control, and mutual resentment.

John Dowell

A confiding friendship where John becomes Leonora's sympathetic listener after their spouses' betrayals.

Florence Dowell

A tense rivalry as Florence competes with Leonora for control over Edward and social standing.

Nancy Rufford

Leonora acts as a stern, jealous guardian to Nancy, viewing her as a threat to her marriage.

Maisie Maidan

Leonora resents Maisie as one of Edward's mistresses, seeing her as a rival for her husband's attention.

Colonel Powys

A respectful acquaintance, with Colonel Powys offering Leonora advice on managing Edward's behavior.

Mrs. Maidan

A strained social connection, as Leonora tolerates Mrs. Maidan while disapproving of her daughter's affair.

Edward Ashburnham

A married couple trapped in a destructive cycle of infidelity, control, and mutual resentment.

John Dowell

A confiding friendship where John becomes Leonora's sympathetic listener after their spouses' betrayals.

Edward Ashburnham

A married couple trapped in a destructive cycle of infidelity, control, and mutual resentment.

Nancy Rufford

Leonora acts as a stern, jealous guardian to Nancy, viewing her as a threat to her marriage.

John Dowell

A confiding friendship where John becomes Leonora's sympathetic listener after their spouses' betrayals.

I

Edward's wife, who endured poverty and acting to keep up appearances, and later confides in Dowell.

II

Sent a cable seconding Edward's request; greets Dowell with a smile and calm demeanor at the estate.

III

Exhibits unusual gaiety and a touch of insolence when she loudly invites Edward to sit with the Dowells, but later appears more reserved. Dowell notes her classical shoulders and wrist, and feels no sexual attraction toward her.

IV

Reveals her Irish Catholic identity after a disturbing outburst about damnation and happiness.

Chapter V

Leonora's English Catholic conscience and rigid principles are critiqued. She slaps Maisie Maidan after discovering a blackmail letter, believing Edward has been unfaithful.

VI

Finds Maisie's body and feels guilt for her role in the tragedy.

I

Edward's wife; Dowell asks her about Edward's public reputation.

II

Goes to bed early; orchestrates Florence chaperoning Edward and Nancy; threatens Edward with vengeance.

I

Reveals Florence's affair with Edward to Dowell; speaks of Edward's death and Florence's suicide.

II

Vigilantly watches Edward and Nancy after Florence's death, using silent control and strategic excuses to keep them apart.

III

Leonora loves Edward passionately but tries to rule him with a rod of iron, unable to understand his generosity. She experiences a complete breakdown after the Kilsyte case, and her past as a convent-educated Irish girl married off to Edward is revealed, highlighting her inexperience and eventual desire for mastery.

IV

Shown as cold and well-behaved, out of sympathy with Edward's ideals; she is advised by a priest to take Edward to Monte Carlo and later, upon hearing of his behavior, goes to London to consult her solicitor and spiritual adviser.

V

Leonora manages the estate to restore its value, cuts short Edward's attempts at affection, and endures his affairs while hoping he will return to her.

I

Struggles with Edward's infidelity, engages in tense conversations with Florence, and attempts to regain control over Edward through financial scrutiny and patience.

Chapter II

Suffers from severe headaches and emotional breakdown after returning from Nauheim; torn between maternal love for Nancy and jealousy of Edward's passion; struggles with her own desires and religious restraints.

III

Confronts Nancy about marriage, writhes in agony when Nancy says she would want a husband like Edward. Nancy believes Leonora hates Edward.

IV

Desperately commands Nancy to stay and belong to Edward, offering divorce; appears to Nancy as a cruel, predatory beast; later weeps with Nancy and spends the night talking.

V

Cold and strong, she actively manipulates the situation, haranguing both Edward and Nancy, and ultimately decides to prevent Nancy from going to India.

Chapter VI

Determined to destroy Edward's hope; presents a perfect front; later remarries Rodney Bayham.