The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Mrs. Miller

A warm-hearted London landlady who takes Tom Jones at his word and becomes the rare respectable ally he can trust.

supporting

Also known as Jones, Mrs. Miller . Jones, poor Jones, V Mrs. Miller, This Mrs. Miller

First appearance: the history of tom jones a foundling

As a supporting figure in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Mrs. Miller is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Provides lodging and support to Tom during his time in London.

In the storyBook XIIIOpen this moment free

Mrs. Miller keeps a lodging-house in London and, having once been befriended by Mr. Allworthy, is predisposed to think well of his adopted son. She listens to Jones's history with ready sympathy and lends him her house for an assignation she half-suspects is not what he claims, caught between her honest instincts and her willingness to be persuaded. Her kindness matters because it gives Tom, adrift in the city, a household where decency still has a foothold — and because her family's fortunes quietly tie her fate to his.

See Mrs. Miller in Book XIII Book page

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Character Web

49 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Minor and background figures
London gentleman acquaintances
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because the Man of the Hill reaches the emotional and psychological nad…

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Relationships

Tom Jones
friendship · positive
Tom Jones
friendship · positive
Tom Jones
friendship · positive

Relationship notes

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See Mrs. Miller in the history of tom jones a foundling

In the story

Mrs. Miller appears across 30 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book XIII
Provides lodging and support to Tom during his time in London.
V
The widow of a clergyman, mistress of the house in Bond Street; described as innocent, cheerful, and a warm friend; mother of Nancy and Betty.
VI
Hosts the breakfast; approves Nightingale's sentiments; refuses masquerade tickets for herself and Nancy, citing propriety.
Chapter VIII
Hosts dinner; recounts visiting her poor cousin Mrs. Anderson; accepts ten guineas from Jones for the family.
A Chapter Which, Though Short, May Draw Tears from Some Eyes
Introduces her cousin to Jones; praises Jones throughout the evening; is strict and nice in her principles.
Chapter III
Confronts Jones about late-night visitors and reveals her knowledge of his connection to Mr. Allworthy.
Chapter IV
Gave Jones warning about his late-night company, concerned for her daughters' reputations.
Chapter V
Tells Jones her life story, expresses gratitude to Mr. Allworthy, and warns Jones about wicked women.
VI
Distraught mother who confides in Jones about her daughter's ruin.
Chapter VIII
Nancy's mother, at whose house young Nightingale lodged; her reduced circumstances are noted.
IX
Overwhelmed with gratitude toward Jones, she throws herself at his feet and thanks him as the preserver of her family.
A short chapter, which concludes the book
Nancy's mother, also disquieted by the preceding events and the altered atmosphere.
Book XV
Mrs. Miller is present in the London narrative.
Chapter VIII
Gently remonstrates with Jones about the disturbance, then joyfully accompanies the wedding party to Doctors' Commons.
Containing love-letters of several sorts
Celebrates her daughter's wedding and expresses gratitude toward Jones for his role in the match.
Chapter X
Distressed by Mr. Allworthy's letter requesting lodgings, but relieved by Jones's generous offer; her maternal joy is stirred when Jones calls her daughter 'Mrs. Nightingale'.
XI
Friend of Mrs. Hunt and landlady of Tom's lodging; her household provided Mrs. Hunt with a character of Tom.
V
Attends the play with Jones and her younger daughter.
Chapter II
Passionately defends Tom Jones, recounting his kindness and generosity to her family.
V
Visits Jones in prison, comforts him, and agrees to deliver his letter to Sophia.
VI
Mrs. Miller visits Sophia to deliver a letter from Tom Jones, pleading for compassion and recounting Tom's good deeds.
Chapter VII
Pleads for Jones, expresses gratitude, and secures Allworthy's help for her daughter's marriage.
Chapter VIII
Mrs. Miller delivers a letter to Sophia and is later intercepted by Mrs. Western, who learns of the secret correspondence.
Chapter IX
She delivers a sorrowful report to Jones about her embassy to Sophia, deepening his dejection.
III
Receives news from Nightingale about the wounded gentleman's recovery and Jones's innocence; also learns of Allworthy's discovery of a treasure belonging to Jones.
Chapter V
Defends Jones, suspects Blifil, and prevents Allworthy's visit after learning of the incest revelation.
Wherein the history begins to draw towards a conclusion
Attempts to reconcile Sophia with Tom, reports Sophia's firm rejection and her own embellishments.
XI
Rejoices at Tom's reconciliation with Allworthy and demands Blifil's removal from her house.
Chapter XII
Mentioned by Tom as having acquainted Sophia with the whole truth of his past conduct.
Chapter the Last
Rejoices in her daughter Nancy's marriage to young Nightingale and in Tom's happiness.

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See Mrs. Miller in the history of tom jones a foundling

See Mrs. Miller in Book XIII