The Mysteries of Udolpho · Character

Theresa

The faithful old servant of the St. Aubert family.

minor

Also known as Old Theresa, poor Theresa, the faithful Theresa

First appearance: Chapter II

Theresa's tie to Emily St. Aubert is one of the pressures that moves The Mysteries of Udolpho—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The old housekeeper, the only servant retained after St.

In the storyChapter IIOpen this moment free

Theresa first appears in 0003 ii.

With Emily St. Aubert (friendship): Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during difficult times. With Valancourt (friendship): Theresa is a trusted servant who helps facilitate communication between Valancourt and Emily. With Emily St. Aubert (friendship): Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during difficult times.

See Theresa in Chapter II Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Emily's allies and friends
Key early influences
Supporting cast and background figures

+16 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during… How this plays out →
Valancourt
friendship · positive
Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during… How this plays out →
Valancourt
friendship · positive
Emily St. Aubert
friendship · positive
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during… How this plays out →
Valancourt
friendship · positive

Emily St. Aubert
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during difficult times.
Valancourt
Theresa is a trusted servant who helps facilitate communication between Valancourt and Emily.
Emily St. Aubert
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during difficult times.
Valancourt
Theresa is a trusted servant who helps facilitate communication between Valancourt and Emily.
Emily St. Aubert
Theresa is a loyal and motherly servant who cares for Emily and supports her during difficult times.
Valancourt
Theresa is a trusted servant who helps facilitate communication between Valancourt and Emily.

Relationship notes

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

See Theresa in Chapter II

In the story

Theresa appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II
The old housekeeper, the only servant retained after St. Aubert dismisses the others.
Chapter VIII
The old housekeeper greets Emily at La Vallée, expressing grief and mentioning Manchon's search for St. Aubert.
Chapter XI
Old Theresa bids Emily farewell at the door of La Vallée.
Chapter XLIX
Old servant of St. Aubert, now living in a cottage provided by Valancourt; reveals Valancourt's generosity and love for Emily.
LI
Theresa receives Emily at her cottage, delivers Valancourt's ring, and shares news of his condition.
LII
Theresa tries to advocate for Valancourt but is rebuked by Emily.
LIII
Left in charge of La Vallée; she again offers Valancourt's ring to Emily, who refuses it.
Chapter LVII
Receives Valancourt and Emily with joy at La Vallée.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Theresa in Chapter II