# Dora Wentworth — The Perpetual Curate character guide

> Dora Wentworth in The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iii)

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

### [Mr. Wentworth's Easter Sermon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iv)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/v)

Anxious peacemaker who repeatedly insists Frank did not mean to offend, but her interjections are largely ignored.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vi)

Defends Frank tearfully, claiming he meant well, and tries to obscure Miss Leonora's suspicions.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vii)

Emotional and anxious aunt who clings to Frank, asking for advice on how to stand up to Leonora.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/viii)

Visits Frank clandestinely, is terrified by the bearded lodger, and later meets Frank at the church.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/ix)

Accompanies Leonora; defends Frank affectionately but is subdued by her sister's severity.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/x)

Watches Frank from the summerhouse window in Grange Lane; later confides a troubling sight to Cecilia under vows of secrecy.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xi)

Rises unrefreshed, anxious about Frank's behavior; goes to Elsworthy's shop to investigate and confronts Rosa.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xiv)

Present during the visit to Elsworthy's, anxious and inclined to cry, but overshadowed by Leonora.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxix)

Anxious and affectionate; spies on Frank and Jack from the garden window.

### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Seen bending over someone who weeps in the drawing-room as Frank passes.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Miss Dora keeps to her room, telling the story of her adventure, but is reduced to a spectator in the family drama.

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

Timidly praises Frank's preaching but is quickly silenced by Leonora.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlvi)

Bewildered by Jack's speech, expresses hope he will not return to bad courses.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/dora_wentworth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters