Maggie Deronnais

Laurie Baxter

Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural.

Mr. Baxter

Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity.

Father Mahon

Father Mahon, a Catholic priest, opposes Maggie's spiritualist practices and seeks to expose her as a fraud.

Mr. Vincent

Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her.

Amy Nugent

Amy resents Maggie for stealing Laurie's affection and sees her as a dangerous rival.

Mrs. Baxter

Maggie provides séances for Mrs. Baxter, who is a grieving mother seeking contact with a deceased child.

Mr. James Morton

Maggie and Morton are acquainted through Laurie, but Morton is suspicious of her motives and methods.

Laurie Baxter

Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural.

Mr. Baxter

Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity.

Mr. Baxter

Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity.

Laurie Baxter

Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural.

Mr. Vincent

Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her.

The Necromancers

Observes Laurie's transformation with concern and attempts to reason with him.

I

Maggie is critical of Laurie's selfishness and observes his behavior with a discerning eye. She is considering how to help him through his grief.

II

Receives Laurie's letter and writes a critical response, showing concern for Laurie's involvement in spiritualism.

I

Observes Mrs. Stapleton's visit with humor and concern, notices Laurie's changed demeanor.

II

Expresses strong distaste for spiritualism, dismissing it as fraud and refusing to discuss it with Laurie.

III

Visits Laurie to check on him, expresses her disgust at Spiritualism, and tries to dissuade him from pursuing it.

IV

Maggie observes Laurie's restlessness and is aware of his changed mood, though she underestimates the depth of his disturbance.

IV

Observes the transformation in Lady Laura and worries about the spiritual implications.

II

Appears in Laurie's vision during the trance, looking at him with a terrified expression.

V

Receives and responds to Laurie's letter, feeling troubled by his spiritualist leanings and his connection to Lady Laura.

I

Maggie is introspective and self-aware, realizing her feelings for Laurie and her jealousy of Amy.

II

Struggles with her emotions for Laurie, resolves to suppress them, and prepares for his visit while managing household affairs.

VI

Receives Laurie's letter and becomes deeply concerned, deciding to travel to Stantons to intervene.

II

Welcomes Laurie home, notices his changed demeanor, and becomes alarmed by his reaction at Amy's grave.

III

Maggie is deeply troubled by Laurie's obsession with Spiritualism and tries to reason with him, showing her concern and her rational skepticism.

VII

Receives a letter from Mrs. Baxter expressing concern about Laurie's state and decides to write a critical letter to Laurie.

II

Mentioned as the one who informed Laurie that the test was fulfilled, contributing to his conviction.

III

Appears in Laurie's vision, seen moving across the landing with a candle, her motion arrested by his attention.

VIII

Receives a troubling letter from Laurie and decides to visit Stantons to assess the situation.

IX

Observes Lady Laura's transformation and becomes increasingly concerned about the spiritual influences at play.

I

Receives a concerning letter from Mr. Morton and contemplates seeking advice from Father Mahon.

II

Seeks Father Mahon's counsel regarding Laurie's Spiritualism, troubled by the implications.

III

Feels steadied by danger, writes to Mr. Cathcart, and experiences a vivid vision of Laurie.

XI

Receives a troubling letter from Laurie and decides to visit her, despite her fears. She is increasingly concerned for Laurie's mental state.

II

Mentioned as a sensible girl who might be a 'sheet anchor' in helping Laurie; Cathcart and Morton consider her a reliable ally.

III

Laurie thinks of her occasionally but is learning to push the thought away. He reflects with horror on the impression that the public séances would make on her.

XII

Maggie observes Laurie's change and is increasingly worried about his state of mind, feeling the weight of the supernatural events and their impact on her loved ones.

XIII

Receives Laurie's disturbing letter and becomes increasingly worried about his state of mind.

I

Not directly present in this chapter, but the household she is part of is depicted; her absence is notable as the servants discuss the séances.

XIV

Observes Laurie's transformation with growing concern and takes action to confront the supernatural influence.

I

Experiences intense anxiety over Laurie's safety, receives Mr. Cathcart's warning, and is tasked with bearing the burden of the news.

II

Distracted and preoccupied, she uses Mrs. Baxter's illness as an opportunity to write to Laurie.

III

Mentioned as having been told by Cathcart of his fear of insanity regarding Laurie.

XV

Observes Laurie's transformation and becomes determined to confront the possessed Laurie.

XVI

Observes Laurie's transformation with alarm and resolves to intervene, despite the risk to their friendship.

I

Waiting anxiously for Laurie's arrival, torn between fear and skepticism about his condition.

II

She is the first to sense that Laurie is not himself, and she struggles to maintain composure while guiding him through the house.

III

Shows immense courage and composure after witnessing Laurie's change; takes decisive action by sending for Father Mahon and meeting Mr. Cathcart.

IV

Visits Mrs. Baxter after dinner, listens to her account, and locks the door for safety.

XVII

Receives Laurie's letter and worries about her friend's spiritual state.

I

Gathers her courage and love to confront Laurie, believing he is possessed.

II

Confronts the possessed Laurie, attempting to reach the real person and invoke prayer.

III

Engages in a desperate spiritual struggle against the entity possessing Laurie, using prayer and willpower.

XVIII

Wakes after the ordeal, feels cleansed and perceives a spiritual connection with Laurie.

Epilogue

Reflects on the events of Easter, uncertain of what to believe, and expresses a desire to return to normal life.