The Princess and the Goblin · Character

Mrs. Peterson

Curdie's mother, a kind and practical woman.

minor

First appearance: XXIII: Curdie and His Mother

Mrs. Peterson shows up with force in The Mines. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Curdie's mother; he wants to earn extra money to buy her a warm red petticoat because she feels the cold.

In the storyThe MinesOpen this moment free

Mrs. Peterson first appears in 0022 xxiii curdie and his mother.

In The Mines: Curdie's mother; he wants to earn extra money to buy her a warm red petticoat because she feels the cold.

Later, in A Short Chapter About Curdie: Curdie's mother, who is kind and hardworking, keeps a happy home, and untangles Curdie's string after his expeditions.

See Mrs. Peterson in The Mines Book page

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Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Peterson sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Goblins and Miners
Human Royal Household
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Princess Irene, despite being confronted by an…

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In the story

Mrs. Peterson appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Mines
Curdie's mother; he wants to earn extra money to buy her a warm red petticoat because she feels the cold.
A Short Chapter About Curdie
Curdie's mother, who is kind and hardworking, keeps a happy home, and untangles Curdie's string after his expeditions.
Springtime
Owns a few of the goats on the mountain.
The Escape
Not directly present; no mention in excerpts.
XXIII: Curdie and His Mother
Curdie's mother, who urges him to believe Irene and shares her own mysterious encounter with a protective light and bird.
XXVIII: Curdie’s Guide
Curdie's mother, who has been caring for the princess and is amazed at Curdie's healed leg.
Masonwork
Tries to light the fire and cares for the princess.
The King and the Kiss
Curdie's mother, present at the reunion and praised by Irene.
The Subterranean Waters
Carried to safety by Curdie and Peter; later encourages Curdie to go with the king.
The Last Chapter
Goes with Curdie and Peter to their home on the mountain.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Peterson unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Peterson in XXIII: Curdie and His Mother

See Mrs. Peterson in The Mines