# Maggie Tulliver — The Mill on the Floss character guide > Maggie Tulliver in The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Maggie, Magsie, Miss Maggie, cousin Maggie, Maggie Tulliver **First appearance:** 0000-book-i-boy-and-girl ## Snapshot Dark-eyed, quick-souled miller's daughter whose fierce intelligence and hunger for love collide with the narrow judgments of St. Ogg's. ## Who they are Maggie Tulliver grows up clever, impulsive, and starved for approval in a family that prizes her brother's plodding respectability over her restless mind. At the charity bazaar she knits and sells with downcast grace while Stephen Guest circles her and old Wakem buys politely, every small courtesy charged with old quarrels and new attractions. Her need to be loved and her inability to be ordinary drive the book's central ache. ## Relationships ### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver) _family_ Siblings with a deep but often strained bond, marked by Tom's rigid judgment and Maggie's passionate defiance. ### [Philip Wakem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/philip_wakem) _romantic_ Intellectual and emotional connection complicated by family feud and social constraints, with romantic undertones. ### [Stephen Guest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/stephen_guest) _romantic_ Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie. ### [Lucy Deane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/lucy_deane) _family_ Cousins and close friends, with Lucy's gentle loyalty contrasting Maggie's turmoil. ### [Mrs. Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/mrs_tulliver) _family_ Mother and daughter, with Mrs. Tulliver's conventional worries clashing with Maggie's unconventional nature. ### [Dr. Kenn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/dr_kenn) _social_ Mentor and moral supporter, offering Maggie guidance and refuge during her social ostracism. ### [Bob Jakin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/bob_jakin) _friendship_ Kind and loyal friend from childhood, always ready to help Maggie in times of need. ### [Mr. Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/mr_tulliver) _family_ Father and daughter, with Mr. Tulliver's pride in Maggie's intelligence and his tragic downfall affecting her deeply. ### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver) _family_ Siblings with a deep but often strained bond, marked by Tom's rigid judgment and Maggie's passionate defiance. ### [Tom Tulliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/tom_tulliver) _family_ Siblings with a deep but often strained bond, marked by Tom's rigid judgment and Maggie's passionate defiance. ### [Philip Wakem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/philip_wakem) _romantic_ Intellectual and emotional connection complicated by family feud and social constraints, with romantic undertones. ### [Philip Wakem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/philip_wakem) _romantic_ Intellectual and emotional connection complicated by family feud and social constraints, with romantic undertones. ## In the story ### [Book I: Boy and Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-i-boy-and-girl) Introduced as a clever, impulsive, and dark-haired girl who contrasts with her brother Tom; she is affectionate but often at odds with her mother's expectations. ### [Outside Dorlcote Mill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-outside-dorlcote-mill) The little girl in a beaver bonnet watching the mill wheel. ### [Mr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About Tom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-mr-tulliver-of-dorlcote-mill-declares-his-resolution-about-tom) Enters after wandering by the water; described as 'too 'cute' and wild, with unruly hair; refuses to do patchwork. ### [Mr. Riley Gives His Advice Concerning a School for Tom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-mr-riley-gives-his-advice-concerning-a-school-for-tom) Listens eagerly when Tom's name is mentioned, showing her protective affection. ### [Tom Is Expected](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-tom-is-expected) Frustrated by not being allowed to go fetch Tom, she rebels by wetting her hair, then seeks solace in the attic and mill. She expresses deep love for Tom but is distraught upon learning his rabbits died due to her neglect. ### [Tom Comes Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-tom-comes-home) Maggie is overjoyed at Tom's return, seeks his approval, and is deeply affected by their quarrels and reconciliations. ### [VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-the-aunts-and-uncles-are-coming) Shows her sensitive and sacrificial nature during the puff pastry conflict with Tom, and is later distressed by his reproach. ### [Enter the Aunts and Uncles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vii-enter-the-aunts-and-uncles) Distressed after cutting her hair, comforted by her father, and contrasted with Lucy. ### [Mr. Tulliver Shows His Weaker Side](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/viii-mr-tulliver-shows-his-weaker-side) Praised by her aunt Moss and compared to her cousin Lizzy; Mr. Tulliver reflects on her future and Tom's duty to her. ### [To Garum Firs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ix-to-garum-firs) Suffers humiliation from the hairdresser and discomfort from her tucker; quarrels with Tom and accidentally knocks down his card house. ### [Maggie Behaves Worse Than She Expected](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/x-maggie-behaves-worse-than-she-expected) Jealous of Tom's attention to Lucy, she pushes Lucy into mud and feels no immediate remorse. ### [XI: Maggie Tries to Run Away from Her Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xi-maggie-tries-to-run-away-from-her-shadow) Runs away to the gypsies after feeling unhappy and misunderstood; experiences fear and regret before being rescued by her father. ### [Mr. Tulliver Further Entangles the Skein of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xiii-mr-tulliver-further-entangles-the-skein-of-life) Grieves at Tom's impending departure for school. ### [Book II: School-Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-ii-school-time) Visits Tom at school, feeling intellectually stifled and out of place among the boys' classical learning. ### [Tom's "First Half"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-tom-s-first-half) Visits Tom and shows keen interest in Latin grammar, demonstrating her quick mind and imagination, though Tom belittles her efforts. ### [The New Schoolfellow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-the-new-schoolfellow) Mentioned by Tom as someone who wants to tell him stories, which he dismisses as 'stupid things'. ### [Maggie's Second Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-maggie-s-second-visit) Visits Tom at school, shows sympathy for Philip Wakem, and is frightened by Tom's sword play. ### [A Love-Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-a-love-scene) Sits with Tom, sobs with him, and forms a tender bond with Philip, kissing him and promising to remember him. ### [The Golden Gates Are Passed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vii-the-golden-gates-are-passed) Arrives at King's Lorton to fetch Tom after their father's ruin; she is trembling, tearful, and burdened with the terrible news. ### [Book III: The Downfall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-iii-the-downfall) Witnesses the family's collapse and struggles with her own feelings of helplessness and frustration. ### [What Had Happened at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-what-had-happened-at-home) Devotedly nurses her father after his collapse; fetches Tom from school. ### [Mrs. Tulliver's Teraphim, or Household Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-mrs-tulliver-s-teraphim-or-household-gods) Grieves for her father and resents her mother's focus on material possessions; defends her father passionately and later reconciles with Tom. ### [The Family Council](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-the-family-council) Depressed and weary after watching through the night, she is drawn to her aunt Deane for comfort. She is distressed by the family's troubles and the harsh words of her aunts, but is silenced by Tom when she tries to speak up for her father. ### [A Vanishing Gleam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-a-vanishing-gleam) Kisses her father with a full heart, feeling he has returned from the dead. ### [Tom Applies His Knife to the Oyster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-tom-applies-his-knife-to-the-oyster) Maggie is overwhelmed by the harshness of the world, feeling that everyone is unkind and that life offers her nothing but poverty and grief. She longs for beauty, knowledge, and love, but finds only disappointment. ### [VI: Tending to Refute the Popular Prejudice Against the Present of a Pocketknife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-tending-to-refute-the-popular-prejudice-against-the-present-of-a-pocketknife) Maggie enters the room and is overcome with grief at the missing bookcase and the few remaining books. ### [Daylight on the Wreck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/viii-daylight-on-the-wreck) Prepares the parlour for her father's return and tries to comfort him, urging him to bear the loss well. ### [IX: An Item Added to the Family Register](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ix-an-item-added-to-the-family-register) Trembles and pleads with her father not to make Tom write the curse against Wakem. ### [Book IV: The Valley of Humiliation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-iv-the-valley-of-humiliation) Maggie experiences deep humiliation and sorrow as her family's fortunes collapse, feeling the weight of social disgrace and her own powerlessness. ### [I: A Variation of Protestantism Unknown to Bossuet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-a-variation-of-protestantism-unknown-to-bossuet) Mentioned as one of the young natures affected by the oppressive narrowness of the family's world. ### [II: The Torn Nest Is Pierced by the Thorns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-the-torn-nest-is-pierced-by-the-thorns) Thirteen years old, precocious and imaginative, now living in a sad monotony; she seeks affection from her father and Tom but receives none. ### [A Voice from the Past](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-a-voice-from-the-past) Struggles with religious asceticism, intellectual hunger, and loneliness; seeks wisdom through Latin and logic but finds it unfulfilling. ### [Book V: Wheat and Tares](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-v-wheat-and-tares) Struggles with her feelings for Philip Wakem and the duty she owes to her family, torn between personal desire and moral obligation. ### [In the Red Deeps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-in-the-red-deeps) Maggie is in her seventeenth year, marked by a resigned sadness and a struggle between renunciation and longing. She meets Philip in the Red Deeps and is torn between her duty to her father and her sympathy for Philip. ### [Aunt Glegg Learns the Breadth of Bob's Thumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-aunt-glegg-learns-the-breadth-of-bob-s-thumb) Maggie is contrasted with Tom, her inner struggles and awe of Tom's unified character highlighted. ### [III: The Wavering Balance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-the-wavering-balance) Wrestles with her conscience over concealing her friendship with Philip, torn between renunciation and the longing for intellectual and emotional connection. ### [IV: Another Love-Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-another-love-scene) Maggie meets Philip in the Red Deeps, discusses literature, and confesses her love for him while vowing not to wound her father. ### [The Cloven Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-the-cloven-tree) Defends Philip against Tom's insults, but reluctantly agrees to end the relationship to protect her father. ### [VI: The Hard-Won Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-the-hard-won-triumph) Feels a mix of admiration and hurt at Tom's coldness, but ultimately rejoices in her father's happiness. ### [A Day of Reckoning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vii-a-day-of-reckoning) Kneels by her dying father, pleading for him to forgive Wakem; afterward seeks Tom's forgiveness and reconciliation. ### [Book VI: The Great Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-vi-the-great-temptation) Struggles with her feelings for Stephen Guest and the moral implications of her actions. ### [A Duet in Paradise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-a-duet-in-paradise) Lucy's cousin, who is leaving her dreary school situation and coming to stay with Lucy; described by Stephen as a 'fat, blond girl' based on his guess. ### [First Impressions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-first-impressions) Maggie goes boating with Stephen and Lucy, learns to row, and later discusses music and Philip Wakem. She feels a new attraction to Stephen. ### [Confidential Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-confidential-moments) Restless and feverish after hearing music; confides in Lucy about her past with Philip and her promise to Tom. ### [IV: Brother and Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-brother-and-sister) Visits Tom at his lodgings; defends her intentions regarding Philip Wakem; seeks Tom's approval and affection. ### [VI: Illustrating the Laws of Attraction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-illustrating-the-laws-of-attraction) Maggie is enjoying her new life in St. Ogg's, experiencing leisure and admiration, but is also increasingly aware of her attraction to Stephen Guest. ### [Philip Re-Enters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vii-philip-re-enters) Reunites with Philip, expresses desire for independence, and struggles with her feelings toward Stephen. ### [Wakem in a New Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/viii-wakem-in-a-new-light) The subject of Philip's love and the central figure in the conflict; her portraits are shown to Wakem. ### [IX: Charity in Full-Dress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ix-charity-in-full-dress) Sits at the bazaar stall, attracting notice for her simple beauty; struggles with her feelings for Stephen and her commitment to Philip. ### [X: The Spell Seems Broken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/x-the-spell-seems-broken) Struggles with guilt and resolves to reject temptation; reaffirms her bond with Philip but prioritizes her brother; experiences joy in dancing despite inner turmoil. ### [XI: In the Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xi-in-the-lane) Maggie is torn between her love for Stephen and her sense of duty to Philip and Lucy. She resists Stephen's pleas, asserting that she must not seek her own happiness by sacrificing others. ### [A Family Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xii-a-family-party) Present at the family party; her plan to go into service is discussed and criticized by relatives; Lucy tries to reconcile her with Tom regarding Philip. ### [XIII: Borne Along by the Tide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xiii-borne-along-by-the-tide) Torn between her love for Stephen and her moral duty; experiences intense inner conflict and a sense of being borne along by forces beyond her control. ### [Waking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/xiv-waking) Wrestles with guilt and resolves to return home, rejecting Stephen's proposal. ### [Book VII: The Final Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/book-vii-the-final-rescue) Returns to St. Ogg's after fleeing with Stephen Guest, faces social ostracism, and ultimately dies in the flood after rescuing Tom. ### [The Return to the Mill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/i-the-return-to-the-mill) Returns to the mill seeking refuge and confession, but is rejected by Tom. She is worn, distressed, and deeply repentant. ### [II: St. Ogg’s Passes Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ii-st-ogg-s-passes-judgment) Returns to St. Ogg's in disgrace, seeks Dr. Kenn's advice, and resolves to live a life of penitence and self-support. ### [III: Showing That Old Acquaintances Are Capable of Surprising Us](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iii-showing-that-old-acquaintances-are-capable-of-surprising-us) Returns home, is offered shelter by aunt Glegg, seeks advice from Dr. Kenn, and receives a letter from Philip Wakem. ### [IV: Maggie and Lucy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-maggie-and-lucy) Maggie is isolated and remorseful, haunted by Lucy's suffering, and longs for reconciliation. She receives a secret visit from Lucy and expresses her penitence. ### [The Last Conflict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-the-last-conflict) Endures a night of intense inner conflict, tempted by Stephen's plea, but ultimately chooses renunciation and prayer; she then discovers the flood and acts with calm resolve. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/vi-conclusion) Buried in the tomb with Tom after the flood. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters/maggie_tulliver - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/characters