The Magician · Character

Margaret Dauncey

Beautiful, enthusiastic, and untouched by cynicism, she postpones marriage for two years in Paris and finds her hunger for beauty leading her somewhere Arthur cannot follow.

major

Also known as Miss Margaret, Poor Margaret, Miss Dauncey

First appearance: I

As a major figure in The Magician, Margaret Dauncey is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arthur's fiancée, admired for her beauty and artistic enthusiasm; she is in Paris studying art.

In the storyIOpen this moment free

Margaret Dauncey is a young Englishwoman whose physical perfection first drew Arthur Burdon to her, and whose delight in art and the variety of life sets her apart from his practical narrowness. She is grateful, affectionate, and a little unformed, still growing into her own tastes during the Paris years she asked for before marrying. Her openness to beauty is exactly what makes her vulnerable to a man who offers her something larger and stranger than a surgeon's steady love.

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Character Web

14 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Arthur's Medical Circle
Parisian Acquaintances
Occult and Peripheral Figures
Protagonist

+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

Susie’s stunned reading of Margaret’s note reveals the sudden, secret marriage to Oliver Haddo, which constitu…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Arthur Burdon
romantic · positive
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Oliver Haddo
psychological · negative
Susie Boyd
friendship · positive
Dr. Porhoët
friendship · positive
Frank Hurrell
friendship · positive
Arthur Burdon
romantic · positive
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Arthur Burdon
romantic · positive
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Susie Boyd
friendship · positive
Oliver Haddo
psychological · negative
Susie Boyd
friendship · positive
Oliver Haddo
psychological · negative
Dr. Porhoët
friendship · positive

Arthur Burdon
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship is strained by external forces.
Oliver Haddo
Margaret becomes the object of Oliver Haddo's obsessive manipulation and dark influence, leading to her victimization.
Susie Boyd
Margaret and Susie share a supportive friendship, with Susie trying to protect Margaret from harm.
Dr. Porhoët
Dr. Porhoët cares for Margaret as a friend and tries to warn her about Oliver Haddo's dangers.
Frank Hurrell
Frank is a friend to Margaret, offering her companionship and support.
Arthur Burdon
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship is strained by external forces.
Arthur Burdon
Arthur is deeply in love with Margaret and seeks to marry her, though their relationship is strained by external forces.
Susie Boyd
Margaret and Susie share a supportive friendship, with Susie trying to protect Margaret from harm.
Oliver Haddo
Margaret becomes the object of Oliver Haddo's obsessive manipulation and dark influence, leading to her victimization.
Susie Boyd
Margaret and Susie share a supportive friendship, with Susie trying to protect Margaret from harm.
Oliver Haddo
Margaret becomes the object of Oliver Haddo's obsessive manipulation and dark influence, leading to her victimization.
Dr. Porhoët
Dr. Porhoët cares for Margaret as a friend and tries to warn her about Oliver Haddo's dangers.

Relationship notes

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

See Margaret Dauncey in I

In the story

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

I
Arthur's fiancée, admired for her beauty and artistic enthusiasm; she is in Paris studying art.
II
Waits eagerly for Arthur's visit; her romantic history with Arthur is recounted, including her discovery of his financial support and their engagement.
III
Sits beside Arthur; shudders with dislike at Haddo's presence and avoids his gaze.
IV
Filled with loathing and fear of Haddo, she is horrified by the snake demonstration.
V
Enjoys the Louvre with Arthur, inspiring his appreciation of art; accompanies him to Dr. Porhoët's.
VII
Receives Haddo's chrysanthemums; distressed when Haddo kicks her dog; holds and comforts the injured animal.
Chapter VIII
Margaret initially cuts Haddo in the street but later helps him after his feigned collapse. She is hypnotized by Haddo and experiences horrific visions, leaving her ashamed and terrified.
IX
Torn between horror and desire, she succumbs to Haddo's power and agrees to marry him, while hiding her deceit from Arthur.
X
Married Oliver Haddo and left for London; sent a brief note to Susie; her actions are described as callous and inexplicable.
Chapter XI
Now married to Haddo, appears radiant but behaves coarsely at dinner; reveals awareness of Susie's feelings for Arthur.
XII
Recovering physically but emotionally tormented; confesses her conflicted feelings and Haddo's influence over her.
XIII
Margaret is the object of Arthur's obsessive concern. She is reported to be rarely seen outside the park gates, wandering alone, and is believed to be in danger at Skene.
XV
Appears as a weeping spirit after being called three times, confirming Arthur's fears about her death.
XVI
Referenced as the victim of Haddo's fiendish torture, driving Arthur's desire for revenge.

Chapter companion notes

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

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