# Maggie Deronnais — The Necromancers character guide > Maggie Deronnais in The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Maggie, Deronnais, Miss Maggie, Miss Deronnais, Maggy **First appearance:** 0001-the-necromancers ## Who they are A serene, competent young woman who manages everyone around her with quiet authority, and who alone sees the danger gathering around Laurie Baxter before it is too late. ## Relationships ### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter) _romantic_ Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _professional_ Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity. ### [Father Mahon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/father_mahon) _rivalry_ Father Mahon, a Catholic priest, opposes Maggie's spiritualist practices and seeks to expose her as a fraud. ### [Mr. Vincent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_vincent) _professional_ Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her. ### [Amy Nugent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/amy_nugent) _rivalry_ Amy resents Maggie for stealing Laurie's affection and sees her as a dangerous rival. ### [Mrs. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mrs_baxter) _professional_ Maggie provides séances for Mrs. Baxter, who is a grieving mother seeking contact with a deceased child. ### [Mr. James Morton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_james_morton) _social_ Maggie and Morton are acquainted through Laurie, but Morton is suspicious of her motives and methods. ### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter) _romantic_ Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _professional_ Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity. ### [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_baxter) _professional_ Maggie is a paid medium hired by Mr. Baxter to conduct séances, though he is skeptical of her authenticity. ### [Laurie Baxter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/laurie_baxter) _romantic_ Laurie is deeply infatuated with Maggie, who is a medium, and their relationship is central to his obsession with the supernatural. ### [Mr. Vincent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/mr_vincent) _professional_ Maggie and Vincent are fellow spiritualists who collaborate in séances, though Vincent holds more power over her. ## In the story ### [The Necromancers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/the-necromancers) Observes Laurie's transformation with concern and attempts to reason with him. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Receives Laurie's letter and writes a critical response, showing concern for Laurie's involvement in spiritualism. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Observes Mrs. Stapleton's visit with humor and concern, notices Laurie's changed demeanor. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Expresses strong distaste for spiritualism, dismissing it as fraud and refusing to discuss it with Laurie. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Visits Laurie to check on him, expresses her disgust at Spiritualism, and tries to dissuade him from pursuing it. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Maggie observes Laurie's restlessness and is aware of his changed mood, though she underestimates the depth of his disturbance. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Observes the transformation in Lady Laura and worries about the spiritual implications. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Appears in Laurie's vision during the trance, looking at him with a terrified expression. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/v) Receives and responds to Laurie's letter, feeling troubled by his spiritualist leanings and his connection to Lady Laura. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Maggie is introspective and self-aware, realizing her feelings for Laurie and her jealousy of Amy. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with her emotions for Laurie, resolves to suppress them, and prepares for his visit while managing household affairs. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/vi) Receives Laurie's letter and becomes deeply concerned, deciding to travel to Stantons to intervene. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Welcomes Laurie home, notices his changed demeanor, and becomes alarmed by his reaction at Amy's grave. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/vii) Receives a letter from Mrs. Baxter expressing concern about Laurie's state and decides to write a critical letter to Laurie. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the one who informed Laurie that the test was fulfilled, contributing to his conviction. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Appears in Laurie's vision, seen moving across the landing with a candle, her motion arrested by his attention. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/viii) Receives a troubling letter from Laurie and decides to visit Stantons to assess the situation. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ix) Observes Lady Laura's transformation and becomes increasingly concerned about the spiritual influences at play. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Receives a concerning letter from Mr. Morton and contemplates seeking advice from Father Mahon. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Seeks Father Mahon's counsel regarding Laurie's Spiritualism, troubled by the implications. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Feels steadied by danger, writes to Mr. Cathcart, and experiences a vivid vision of Laurie. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as a sensible girl who might be a 'sheet anchor' in helping Laurie; Cathcart and Morton consider her a reliable ally. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xiii) Receives Laurie's disturbing letter and becomes increasingly worried about his state of mind. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xiv) Observes Laurie's transformation with growing concern and takes action to confront the supernatural influence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Experiences intense anxiety over Laurie's safety, receives Mr. Cathcart's warning, and is tasked with bearing the burden of the news. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Distracted and preoccupied, she uses Mrs. Baxter's illness as an opportunity to write to Laurie. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as having been told by Cathcart of his fear of insanity regarding Laurie. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xv) Observes Laurie's transformation and becomes determined to confront the possessed Laurie. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xvi) Observes Laurie's transformation with alarm and resolves to intervene, despite the risk to their friendship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Waiting anxiously for Laurie's arrival, torn between fear and skepticism about his condition. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Shows immense courage and composure after witnessing Laurie's change; takes decisive action by sending for Father Mahon and meeting Mr. Cathcart. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iv) Visits Mrs. Baxter after dinner, listens to her account, and locks the door for safety. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xvii) Receives Laurie's letter and worries about her friend's spiritual state. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/i) Gathers her courage and love to confront Laurie, believing he is possessed. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/ii) Confronts the possessed Laurie, attempting to reach the real person and invoke prayer. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/iii) Engages in a desperate spiritual struggle against the entity possessing Laurie, using prayer and willpower. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xviii) Wakes after the ordeal, feels cleansed and perceives a spiritual connection with Laurie. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/epilogue) Reflects on the events of Easter, uncertain of what to believe, and expresses a desire to return to normal life. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters/maggie_deronnais - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_necromancers_se/characters