The Old Wives’ Tale · Character

Mrs. Baines

The imperial widow of John Baines, who rules the shop, the parlour, and her two daughters with a genial ruthlessness that brooks no rival authority.

major

Also known as Mrs. John Baines, John Baines, the imperial Mrs. Baines, Old Mrs. Baines

First appearance: The Old Wives’ Tale

As a major figure in The Old Wives’ Tale, Mrs. Baines is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The authoritative mother who manages the household and shop, embodying respectability and tradition.

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Mrs. Baines presides over the Square with the correctness of a woman who has buried a husband and intends to bury the old order on her own terms. She manages Constance's romance by silence and Sophia's by vigilance, and…

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Character Web

3 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor and background characters
Protagonist
Bursley shop and family

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, Sophia reaches an emotional and psychological low point of apathy and entrapment, loathing he…

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In the story

Mrs. Baines appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Old Wives’ Tale
The authoritative mother who manages the household and shop, embodying respectability and tradition.
Book I: Mrs. Baines
The authoritative widowed mother who runs the shop and household with a firm hand, central to the family's stability.
The Square
Mentioned as the mother, whose new gown Sophia tries on; her authority and presence are felt even in her empty garments.
II: The Tooth
Mentioned as having left Mr. Povey to sleep and later resuming control of the household.
A Battle
Struggles to maintain authority over Sophia, ultimately yielding to Sophia's plan after a painful internal conflict and a diplomatic interview with Miss Chetwynd.
Elephant
Succumbs to the social pull of the dead elephant and goes to see it with Constance and Mr. Povey.
VI: Escapade
Mrs. Baines is uneasy, suspecting Sophia of clandestine behavior but unable to confirm her fears.
VII: A Defeat
Overwhelmed by Sophia's elopement, she feels defeated and aged, retreating to Axe.
Book II: Constance
Constance's mother, a dominant presence in the household and shop.
Revolution
Has moved to Axe to live with Aunt Harriet; returns for a visit, showing signs of aging and fussiness.
Christmas and the Future
Living a lonely life at Axe, in gradual decline. She is distressed by Sophia's absence and disapproves of Samuel's newfangled sale poster.
II: Supper
Mentioned in Sophia's reflections on her former life in the Square.

Chapter companion notes

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