The Little Nugget · Character

Mrs. Elmer Ford

Ogden's imperious, restless mother, who once kidnapped her own son for a friend's sake and now wants Peter Burns to try again.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Elmer Ford

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Little Nugget, Mrs. Elmer Ford is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Overjoyed at Ogden's return, pays Cynthia, and discusses custody issues with Lord Mountry.

In the storyIOpen this moment free

See Mrs. Elmer Ford in I Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Mrs. Elmer Ford is a wealthy New Yorker whose hard, imperious manner softens only before her son's portrait; she paces her hotel suite like a caged tigress, waiting for word of him. Convinced her financier husband's world will ruin the boy, she has already committed one kidnapping herself and coolly enlists Peter Burns for another, trading on his old feelings for her. Her jealous streak toward Audrey Blake and her serene assumption of Peter's consent make her both the engine and the moral tangle of the early plot.

Continue beside the text

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

See Mrs. Elmer Ford in I

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Central kidnapping plot
Peripheral and supporting characters

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the narrator r…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Ogden Ford
family · ambivalent
Ogden Ford
family · ambivalent

Relationship notes

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

See Mrs. Elmer Ford in I

In the story

Mrs. Elmer Ford appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
II
I
II
I
II
XIII
XIV
+1 more

I
Overjoyed at Ogden's return, pays Cynthia, and discusses custody issues with Lord Mountry.
II
Discusses Ogden's kidnapping with Cynthia, expresses resignation but remains determined.
I
Ogden's mother, who is seeking a tutor for her son and is involved in the custody arrangements.
II
Mrs. Ford is the mother of Ogden, staying at the Hotel Guelph. Cynthia is acting on behalf of Nesta (Mrs. Ford) to reunite her with her son.
I
Mentioned in Cynthia's letter as worrying about Ogden's whereabouts.
II
Referenced as the mother to whom Peter plans to return Ogden.
XIII
Accused by Audrey of manipulating Peter into kidnapping Ogden; referenced in the emotional confrontation.
XIV
Mentioned as being in contact with Mrs. Drassilis regarding the kidnapping plot.
XVII
Arrives at Sanstead House with Mrs. Drassilis, mistakes Peter for Sam, later negotiates with Sam for her son.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Elmer Ford unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Elmer Ford in I