The Prime Minister · Character

Mrs. Roby

Emily Lopez's aunt, a social climber who curtsies to duchesses and turns every visit into gossip worth retelling.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Dick Roby, Dick Roby, Roby, Mrs. Dick

First appearance: Mrs. Roby

As a supporting figure in The Prime Minister, Mrs. Roby is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Mrs. Roby moves through drawing rooms collecting acquaintances and retailing them afterward, thrilled to her core when the Duchess of Omnium appears unannounced at her niece's door. She means well by Emily but cannot resist pressing at wounds, demanding to know what the Duchess whispered and why she came at all. Her eagerness to convert a private kindness into public speculation makes her both comic and quietly dangerous to those she claims to love.

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Character Web

30 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Wharton family and associates
Extended political and social network
Social-climbing military men

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Timothy Beesw…

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In the story

Mrs. Roby appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Mrs. Roby
Lies to Mr. Wharton about not interfering, but has secretly encouraged Lopez's courtship and accepted gifts from him.
No One Knows Anything About Him
Encourages Emily to stand firm in her choice and reveals that Mr. Wharton has blamed her for fostering the relationship.
Mrs. Dick's Dinner Party.—No. I
Mrs. Roby manipulates the situation to force a meeting between Emily and Lopez, acting against Mr. Wharton's wishes while feigning concern for Emily's reputation.
X: Mrs. Dick’s Dinner Party.—No. II
Hosts the dinner party and arranges the seating, placing Lopez next to Emily despite Mr. Wharton's disapproval.
XIII: Mr. Wharton Complains
Defends herself against Mr. Wharton's accusation, arguing that Lopez is well-received in high society; she had arranged the meeting between Emily and Lopez.
A Lover's Perseverance
Advises Lopez to speak plainly to Mr. Wharton and agrees to carry a message to Emily.
Yes;—with a Horsewhip in My Hand
Supports Lopez's parliamentary aspirations but is rebuked by Mr. Wharton for her lack of understanding.
Come and Try It
Present at the dinner with Mr. Wharton, mentioned as a guest.
XLVII: As for Love!
Supports Ferdinand's dinner party plans and dismisses Emily's scruples about inviting Mrs. Leslie and Lady Eustace.
I Can Sleep Here Tonight, I Suppose?
Inquires about the Silverbridge rumor and sympathizes with Lopez, blaming the Duchess for the marriage's failure.
The Widow and Her Friends
Attempts to visit Emily but is turned away by Mr. Wharton, who blames her for introducing Lopez.
I Am Disgraced and Shamed
Visits Emily after being pardoned, but her presence drives Arthur away; she is told not to use the name 'Mrs. Lopez'.
The Duchess in Manchester Square
Arrives unexpectedly during the Duchess's visit, interrupting the conversation.

Chapter companion notes

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