The Mill on the Floss · Character

Lucy Deane

Tranquil-hearted and quietly observant, Lucy arranges happiness for others while her own engagement to Stephen Guest rests on assumptions she never thinks to test.

supporting

Also known as Lucy, Miss Lucy, Little Lucy, dear Lucy, Lucy Deane

First appearance: VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming

As a supporting figure in The Mill on the Floss, Lucy Deane is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as Maggie's cousin with perfect curls, contrasting with Maggie's appearance.

In the storyMr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About TomOpen this moment free

See Lucy Deane in Mr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About Tom Book page

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Lucy Deane is the small, gentle cousin everyone calls the bell of St. Ogg's, and she moves through the Tulliver circle with an unjealous generosity that makes her the natural center of its social hopes. She believes she knows the state of every heart around her, including her own, and it is precisely this serene confidence that lets her miss the subtle currents gathering between Stephen and Maggie. Her warmth draws the cousins back together and sets in motion the very gatherings that will test her faith.

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

See Lucy Deane in VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major characters and family
Minor characters and background

+20 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

In this excerpt, the emotional/psychological peak occurs when Maggie, despite her "heavy heart" and initial re…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Maggie Tulliver
family · positive
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil. How this plays out →
Stephen Guest
romantic · negative
Tom Tulliver
family · positive
Philip Wakem
friendship · positive
Maggie Tulliver
family · positive
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil. How this plays out →
Maggie Tulliver
family · positive
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil. How this plays out →
Stephen Guest
romantic · negative
Philip Wakem
friendship · positive
Stephen Guest
romantic · negative
Tom Tulliver
family · positive
Tom Tulliver
family · positive
Philip Wakem
friendship · positive

Maggie Tulliver
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil.
Stephen Guest
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Tom Tulliver
Cousins, with Lucy's gentle kindness contrasting Tom's sternness, but maintaining family affection.
Philip Wakem
Kind and sympathetic friend, with Lucy acting as a gentle intermediary between Philip and Maggie.
Maggie Tulliver
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil.
Maggie Tulliver
Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil.
Stephen Guest
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Philip Wakem
Kind and sympathetic friend, with Lucy acting as a gentle intermediary between Philip and Maggie.
Stephen Guest
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Tom Tulliver
Cousins, with Lucy's gentle kindness contrasting Tom's sternness, but maintaining family affection.
Tom Tulliver
Cousins, with Lucy's gentle kindness contrasting Tom's sternness, but maintaining family affection.
Philip Wakem
Kind and sympathetic friend, with Lucy acting as a gentle intermediary between Philip and Maggie.

Relationship notes

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

See Lucy Deane in VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming

In the story

Lucy Deane appears across 25 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Mr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About Tom
Mentioned as Maggie's cousin with perfect curls, contrasting with Maggie's appearance.
VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming
Referenced by Mrs. Tulliver as a model child, contrasting with Maggie's naughtiness.
Enter the Aunts and Uncles
Present as a contrast to Maggie; neat and pretty, kissed by Maggie.
To Garum Firs
Visiting with Maggie; neat and pretty, she builds card houses skillfully and is admired by Tom.
Maggie Behaves Worse Than She Expected
Innocent victim of Maggie's jealousy, ends up muddy and crying.
XI: Maggie Tries to Run Away from Her Shadow
Walks away with Tom, leaving Maggie alone and upset.
VII: How a Hen Takes to Stratagem
Visits the mill with her father, showing affection and pity for Maggie and her cousins.
IV: Another Love-Scene
Maggie mentions Lucy as her dear cousin, contrasting her own dark looks with Lucy's fair beauty and accomplishments.
Book VI: The Great Temptation
Maggie's cousin and Stephen's fiancée, whose trust is betrayed by the developing relationship.
A Duet in Paradise
The neat little lady in mourning, busy with embroidery, who is happily in the early stage of courtship with Stephen Guest.
First Impressions
Lucy arranges the boating trip and evening music, introduces Stephen to Maggie, and discusses Philip Wakem's musical talents.
Confidential Moments
Visits Maggie's room; listens sympathetically and expresses hope that Maggie and Philip can eventually marry.
IV: Brother and Sister
Mentioned as wishing for Maggie to see Philip; invites Tom to aunt Glegg's.
VI: Illustrating the Laws of Attraction
Lucy is happy and unsuspecting, enjoying Stephen's company more with Maggie present, and even envisions a future quartet with Maggie married to Philip.
Philip Re-Enters
Hosts the gathering, tries to ease tensions, and suggests music to lighten the mood.
Wakem in a New Light
Arranges a private interview with Philip that sets his plan in motion.
IX: Charity in Full-Dress
Organizes the stall, is pleased by Maggie's attractiveness, and later tries to persuade Maggie to stay and reconcile with Philip.
X: The Spell Seems Broken
Hosts the party, dressed in white crape; unsuspecting of the tensions between Maggie and Stephen.
XI: In the Lane
Lucy is mentioned as Stephen's tacit engagement and a person whose feelings Maggie and Stephen must consider, adding to Maggie's sense of duty.
A Family Party
Arrives early to talk with Maggie; mediates between Tom and Maggie; tries to persuade aunts to contribute linen for Tom's housekeeping.
XIII: Borne Along by the Tide
Unaware of the depth of Maggie and Stephen's feelings; arranges a shopping trip to Lindum, leaving Maggie and Stephen alone.
Waking
Maggie thinks of Lucy's trust and the pain she has caused her.
II: St. Ogg’s Passes Judgment
Lies in a feeble, passive state after the shock of the elopement; her recovery is uncertain.
IV: Maggie and Lucy
Lucy, still recovering, secretly visits Maggie to offer comfort and forgiveness, showing her gentle and forgiving nature despite her own pain.
The Last Conflict
Mentioned in Maggie's memories as a figure of the calmer past, reinforcing Maggie's resolve.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Lucy Deane in VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming

See Lucy Deane in Mr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About Tom