The Mysteries of Udolpho · Character

Annette

Emily's chattering, superstitious maid, whose gossip and terror supply both comic relief and the rumors that keep the castle's mysteries alive.

supporting

Also known as the talkative Annette, Shakespeare Annette

First appearance: iv

As a supporting figure in The Mysteries of Udolpho, Annette is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A talkative servant at Udolpho who provides comic relief and information to Emily.

In the storyThe Mysteries of UdolphoOpen this moment free

Annette serves first Madame Montoni and then Emily, forever stumbling into secrets she half-understands and reporting them with breathless urgency. Her fear of ghosts, her devotion to Ludovico, and her inability to hold her tongue make her a foil to Emily's guarded composure. She matters because her talk carries the reader through Udolpho's corridors, turning servants' whispers into the novel's atmosphere.

See Annette in The Mysteries of Udolpho Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Professional
Romantic
Other

Character groups

Emily's allies and friends
Protagonist
Supporting cast and background figures
Minor servants at chateau

+27 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Valancourt, ov…

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Relationships

Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic… How this plays out →
Montoni
professional · negative
Ludovico
romantic · positive
Barnardine
professional · ambivalent
Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic… How this plays out →
Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic… How this plays out →
Ludovico
romantic · positive
Montoni
professional · negative
Ludovico
romantic · positive
Barnardine
professional · ambivalent
Montoni
professional · negative
Barnardine
professional · ambivalent

Emily St. Aubert
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic relief during her captivity.
Montoni
Annette is a servant in Montoni's household, often fearful of his harsh and cruel demeanor.
Ludovico
Annette and Ludovico share a flirtatious and affectionate servant romance, providing a lighter subplot.
Barnardine
Annette and Barnardine are fellow servants in the castle, with Barnardine often being gruff and suspicious.
Emily St. Aubert
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic relief during her captivity.
Emily St. Aubert
Annette is Emily's devoted and talkative servant, providing companionship and comic relief during her captivity.
Ludovico
Annette and Ludovico share a flirtatious and affectionate servant romance, providing a lighter subplot.
Montoni
Annette is a servant in Montoni's household, often fearful of his harsh and cruel demeanor.
Ludovico
Annette and Ludovico share a flirtatious and affectionate servant romance, providing a lighter subplot.
Barnardine
Annette and Barnardine are fellow servants in the castle, with Barnardine often being gruff and suspicious.
Montoni
Annette is a servant in Montoni's household, often fearful of his harsh and cruel demeanor.
Barnardine
Annette and Barnardine are fellow servants in the castle, with Barnardine often being gruff and suspicious.

Relationship notes

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

See Annette in iv

In the story

Annette appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Mysteries of Udolpho
A talkative servant at Udolpho who provides comic relief and information to Emily.
XIV
Explains that the musician is a peasant's son going to the Carnival at Venice, and comments on Venice being built on the sea.
Chapter XVIII
Annette brings news of the hasty departure and recounts the secret history of Signora Laurentini, showing her superstitious and talkative nature.
Chapter XX
Looks cautiously for Emily on the rampart and approaches her.
Chapter XXII
Assists Emily in tending to Madame Montoni, expresses fear and curiosity about the castle's events.
Chapter XXIII
Appears at the chamber door reporting fighting in the hall; flees when she hears approaching footsteps.
Chapter XXIV
Released from confinement by Carlo; mourns Ludovico's wound and provides no news of Madame Montoni.
Chapter XXV
Serves as Emily's messenger and companion, reporting Barnardine's requests and news of Count Morano's recovery.
XXVI
Annette relays Barnardine's message to Emily and offers to accompany her, but is left waiting at the vaulted gallery door.
Chapter XXVII
Annette recounts how she secretly followed Emily and Barnardine, then alerted Montoni and Cavigni to thwart Count Morano's second abduction scheme.
Chapter XXVIII
Assists Emily in preparing Madame Montoni's bed and cordial, and is left to watch over her at night.
Chapter XXIX
Terrified by the storm, she informs Emily of Madame Montoni's death.
Chapter XXX
Assists Emily in preparing Madame Montoni's body for burial and accompanies her to the vault.
Chapter XXXI
Reports to Emily about Montoni's mistress and other women at the castle, and mentions prisoners held for ransom.
XXXII
Not present in this chapter.
Chapter XXXIV
Annette accompanies Ludovico to the corridor and is present during Emily's anxious wait.
Chapter XLII
Mentioned as being terrified by the servants' reports and seeking refuge in Emily's room.
Chapter XLIII
Annette spreads stories of the supernatural from Udolpho, including the disappearance of Signora Laurentini, but is checked by Ludovico when she speaks of Montoni.
XLVIII
Annette accompanies Emily in the garden and reports the gardener's sighting of a suspected robber, adding to Emily's agitation.
LII
Annette is overjoyed at Ludovico's return and recounts her superstitious fears.
Chapter LVII
Given a marriage portion and settled as housekeeper at Epourville.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Annette in iv

See Annette in The Mysteries of Udolpho