The Perpetual Curate · Character

Dora Wentworth

The younger Miss Wentworth, softer than her sister and easily terrified, whose one extraordinary adventure becomes the great story of her quiet life.

supporting

Also known as Miss Dora, aunt Dora, Miss Dora Wentworth

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in The Perpetual Curate, Dora Wentworth is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arrives with her sisters at the Blue Boar, having orchestrated the visit to advance Frank's interests.

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Miss Dora Wentworth lives in her sister Leonora's shadow, a timid lady who regards walking alone down a quiet street as an invitation to unheard-of perils. Her clandestine visit to Frank's lodgings — the only adventure of her life — brings her face to face with a bearded, hatless stranger on the doorstep and leaves her trembling, though the errand she carries matters more than she knows. Her nervous tenderness and family loyalty give the Wentworth household its gentler counterweight.

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See Dora Wentworth in i

Character Web

3 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended community and subplots
Protagonist
Wentworth family circle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Mr. Wentworth, after a "long and tough contest…

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In the story

Dora Wentworth appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Arrives with her sisters at the Blue Boar, having orchestrated the visit to advance Frank's interests.
Mr. Wentworth's Easter Sermon
Aunt Dora is tearful and anxious after the service, clinging to Frank's arm and expressing regret over her role in bringing Leonora to hear him.
V
Anxious peacemaker who repeatedly insists Frank did not mean to offend, but her interjections are largely ignored.
VI
Defends Frank tearfully, claiming he meant well, and tries to obscure Miss Leonora's suspicions.
Chapter VII
Emotional and anxious aunt who clings to Frank, asking for advice on how to stand up to Leonora.
Chapter VIII
Visits Frank clandestinely, is terrified by the bearded lodger, and later meets Frank at the church.
IX
Accompanies Leonora; defends Frank affectionately but is subdued by her sister's severity.
Chapter X
Watches Frank from the summerhouse window in Grange Lane; later confides a troubling sight to Cecilia under vows of secrecy.
XI
Rises unrefreshed, anxious about Frank's behavior; goes to Elsworthy's shop to investigate and confronts Rosa.
XIV
Present during the visit to Elsworthy's, anxious and inclined to cry, but overshadowed by Leonora.
XXIX
Anxious and affectionate; spies on Frank and Jack from the garden window.
Chapter XXXIV
Seen bending over someone who weeps in the drawing-room as Frank passes.
XXXVIII
Miss Dora keeps to her room, telling the story of her adventure, but is reduced to a spectator in the family drama.
XLI
Timidly praises Frank's preaching but is quickly silenced by Leonora.
XLIV
Miss Dora weeps in the summerhouse, feigns a headache to deflect the Squire's suspicion, and privately warns Frank not to rush into marriage without means.
Mr. Wentworth's Evening and Jack's Farewell
Bewildered by Jack's speech, expresses hope he will not return to bad courses.

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