The Laughing Cavalier · Character

Maria

A servant or maid in the Beresteyn household, loyal to Gilda.

minor

Also known as Maria certes

Maria's tie to Gilda Beresteyn is one of the pressures that moves The Laughing Cavalier—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Gilda's devoted nurse, who arranges a tray of food and is dismissed early by Gilda.

In the storyThe PrologueOpen this moment free

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With Gilda Beresteyn (family): Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets. With Diogenes (social): Diogenes and Maria are acquaintances, with Maria likely being a servant or family member in the Beresteyn household. With Gilda Beresteyn (family): Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Maria sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Maria in Brother and Sister

Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Social
Other

Character groups

Servants and Household
Protagonist
Main Plot Characters

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Stoutenburg…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Gilda Beresteyn
family · positive
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense… How this plays out →
Diogenes
social · ambivalent
Gilda Beresteyn
family · positive
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense… How this plays out →
Diogenes
social · ambivalent
Gilda Beresteyn
family · positive
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense… How this plays out →
Diogenes
social · ambivalent

Gilda Beresteyn
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets.
Diogenes
Diogenes and Maria are acquaintances, with Maria likely being a servant or family member in the Beresteyn household.
Gilda Beresteyn
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets.
Diogenes
Diogenes and Maria are acquaintances, with Maria likely being a servant or family member in the Beresteyn household.
Gilda Beresteyn
Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets.
Diogenes
Diogenes and Maria are acquaintances, with Maria likely being a servant or family member in the Beresteyn household.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Maria in Brother and Sister

In the story

Maria appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Prologue
Gilda's devoted nurse, who arranges a tray of food and is dismissed early by Gilda.
III: An Interlude
The elderly duenna accompanying Gilda, in sober black gown and tinsel lace coif.
Watch-Night
Gilda's attendant, instructed to wait outside the church with the men.
Brother and Sister
Mentioned as one of Gilda's servants waiting at the north door.
After Evensong
Gilda's maid, abducted alongside her; fearful and moaning during the journey.
The Halt at Bennebrock
Maria is present in the sleigh, snoring contentedly, providing a cover for the conspirators' whispers.
XVI: Leyden
Furious at Diogenes' treatment of Gilda, she protests loudly and is carried out of the sledge by Pythagoras and Socrates.
An Understanding
Summons Diogenes to Gilda's chamber and is ordered to retire, sailing past him with dignity.
Thence to Rotterdam
Accompanies Gilda in the sledge; initially resists help but accepts warmth from Pythagoras.
Check Again
Gilda's waiting woman, carried by Diogenes despite her protests, and later accompanies Gilda into the house.
A Run Through the Night
Maria attends to Gilda, expressing fierce indignation and threatening vengeance against the brigands and Jews.
XL: The Loser Pays
Opens the door to Stoutenburg and informs him that Gilda has broken her fast and will speak with him.
XLIII: Leyden Once More
Maria is Gilda's servant, who is woken by Gilda and ordered to dress and summon Cornelius Beresteyn. She is described as snoring lustily and being bewildered.
XLIV: Blake of Blakeney
Completes a hasty toilet and is sent by Gilda to deliver a message to Cornelius Beresteyn.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Maria unlock in the free preview.

See Maria in Brother and Sister

See Maria in The Prologue