# Sister St. Joseph — The Painted Veil character guide

> Sister St. Joseph in The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Sister St. Joseph Kitty, chatty Sister St. Joseph

**First appearance:** 0038-xxxvi

## Who they are

A cheerful nun at the convent in Mei-tan-fu who works with Kitty.

## In the story

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xl)

Sister St. Joseph, a plump, cheerful nun, greets Kitty and Waddington with laughter and speaks only French.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xli)

Sister St. Joseph is laughing and smiling, and has made madeleines for the visitors.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlii)

Accompanies the Mother Superior and Kitty, providing commentary and assistance.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xliii)

Shows the babies and comments on Walter's fondness for them.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xliv)

Opened the infirmary door, revealing ghastly sounds; spoke of Walter with praise.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlv)

Described as cheerful and humorous despite years of hardship; her casual remark about Walter's tenderness with babies moves Kitty.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlviii)

Mentioned as having speculated that Kitty might be pregnant, reflecting the convent's close observation of Kitty.

### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/xlix)

Chats with Kitty about the idiot child, explaining she baptized the child upon arrival.

### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/l)

Gossips with Kitty, shares her peasant background and family stories, speaks highly of Walter.

### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/li)

Chatters about the Mother Superior's family and Waddington's Manchu princess.

### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/liv)

Implied among the nuns Kitty interacts with at the convent.

### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lv)

Sister St. Joseph correctly identifies Kitty's pregnancy and shows affectionate excitement.

### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lix)

Sister St. Joseph is excited about Kitty's pregnancy, sharing stories of her sister-in-law's confinements and discussing religious matters with Kitty.

### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lx)

Mentioned as a contrast to the Mother Superior, being good-humored and chatty.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxviii)

Sister St. Joseph says goodbye to Kitty with affectionate but impersonal words, focused on her eternal perspective.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters/sister_st_joseph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_painted_veil_se/characters