The Mill on the Floss · Character

Stephen Guest

Handsome, wealthy, and effortlessly charming heir of Guest & Co., whose gallantries to Lucy Stelling mask a dangerous pull toward Maggie.

supporting

Also known as Guest, Mr. Guest, Mr. Stephen Guest, Stephen

First appearance: A Duet in Paradise

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

Pursues Maggie despite his engagement to Lucy, representing the temptation she faces.

In the storyBook VI: The Great TemptationOpen this moment free

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Stephen Guest is a privileged young man in St. Ogg's, admired for his looks, his fortune, and his easy way with everyone. At the bazaar he flirts with Lucy, buys nothing from Maggie, and wears a scarlet fez with the…

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See Stephen Guest in A Duet in Paradise

Character Web

24 connections

A slice of how Stephen Guest 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

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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

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Relationships

Maggie Tulliver
romantic · ambivalent
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie. How this plays out →
Lucy Deane
romantic · negative
Philip Wakem
rivalry · negative
Maggie Tulliver
romantic · ambivalent
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie. How this plays out →
Maggie Tulliver
romantic · ambivalent
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie. How this plays out →
Lucy Deane
romantic · negative
Lucy Deane
romantic · negative
Philip Wakem
rivalry · negative

Maggie Tulliver
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie.
Lucy Deane
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Philip Wakem
Rivals for Maggie's affection, with Philip's intellectual depth contrasting Stephen's charismatic appeal.
Maggie Tulliver
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie.
Maggie Tulliver
Intense, forbidden attraction that leads to scandal and moral conflict for Maggie.
Lucy Deane
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Lucy Deane
Engaged couple, with Lucy's innocent affection betrayed by Stephen's attraction to Maggie.
Philip Wakem
Rivals for Maggie's affection, with Philip's intellectual depth contrasting Stephen's charismatic appeal.

Relationship notes

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

See Stephen Guest in A Duet in Paradise

In the story

Stephen Guest appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book VI: The Great Temptation
Pursues Maggie despite his engagement to Lucy, representing the temptation she faces.
A Duet in Paradise
A fine young man, heir to the largest oil-mill in St. Ogg's, who flirts with Lucy and shows slight annoyance at Maggie's impending visit.
First Impressions
Stephen takes Maggie and Lucy boating, is intrigued by Maggie's beauty and poverty, and later visits for music. He is half-engaged to Lucy.
Confidential Moments
Mentioned as the singer of the fine bass voice; Maggie is aware of his admiring glances but does not dwell on him distinctly.
VI: Illustrating the Laws of Attraction
Stephen's attentions to Lucy become more assiduous, yet he is secretly drawn to Maggie, avoiding being alone with her while longing for her presence.
Philip Re-Enters
Arrives unexpectedly, exchanges cold greetings with Maggie, and participates in the musical duet.
IX: Charity in Full-Dress
Pays attention to Lucy but eventually approaches Maggie, expressing concern and pressing her to accept refreshments.
X: The Spell Seems Broken
Torn between love and honor, jealous of Philip, and drawn irresistibly to Maggie; tries to keep aloof but fails.
XI: In the Lane
Stephen passionately urges Maggie to marry him, arguing that their love is natural and that their other ties are mistaken. He is visibly tormented and desperate for her affection.
XIII: Borne Along by the Tide
Deliberately arranges to be alone with Maggie; struggles with his own desire and guilt, but ultimately presses her to continue the boat ride.
Waking
Desperately tries to convince Maggie to marry him, but is ultimately rejected.
Book VII: The Final Rescue
Flees with Maggie but is not present in the final flood scene; his actions set the stage for the climax.
The Return to the Mill
Referenced as the man with whom Maggie eloped; his whereabouts are unknown, and Bob harbors resentment toward him.
II: St. Ogg’s Passes Judgment
Has fled to Holland; his letter blaming himself is dismissed by public opinion as a romantic attempt to shield Maggie.
IV: Maggie and Lucy
Stephen is discussed indirectly; Lucy's family hopes he will join her at the coast, and Maggie urges Lucy to forgive him.
The Last Conflict
Writes a desperate letter from Mudport, reproaching Maggie and begging her to call him back, revealing his continued passion and despair.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Stephen Guest in A Duet in Paradise

See Stephen Guest in Book VI: The Great Temptation