# Demetria — The Purple Land character guide

> Demetria in The Purple Land by W. H. Hudson.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Doña Demetria, Poor Demetria

**First appearance:** 0003-ii-peasant-homes-and-hearts

## Snapshot

A pale, quietly dignified widow in rustling black whose unmerited misfortunes and gentle self-possession draw Richard into her confidence and her fate.

## Who they are

Demetria lives in the shaded white house at the end of the little town on the Yí, attended by the devoted servants Ramona and Santos, and haunted by the memory of her lost brother Calixto. When she dresses in antique finery for Richard's last evening, the old clothes seem almost appropriate to her strange simplicity and natural dignity, yet the familiar shadow of trouble returns to her face as she hints at sorrows she cannot yet name. Her need for help, and Richard's promise to act as Calixto's spirit, bind him to her well before either of them understands what that loyalty will cost.

## Relationships

### [Richard Lamb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/richard_lamb)

_romantic_

Demetria and Richard share a passionate, tumultuous romance marked by cultural clashes and deep emotional connection.

### [Don Hilario](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/don_hilario)

_family_

Don Hilario is Demetria's protective father, guiding her choices and often clashing with her independence.

### [Ramona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/ramona)

_friendship_

Demetria and Ramona are childhood friends who share gossip and emotional support.

### [Richard Lamb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/richard_lamb)

_romantic_

Demetria and Richard share a passionate, tumultuous romance marked by cultural clashes and deep emotional connection.

### [Don Hilario](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/don_hilario)

_family_

Don Hilario is Demetria's protective father, guiding her choices and often clashing with her independence.

## In the story

### [III: Materials for a Pastoral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/iii-materials-for-a-pastoral)

Not present in this chapter.

### [XI: The Woman and the Serpent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xi-the-woman-and-the-serpent)

Mentioned as his 'sweet, angelic child-wife' waiting in Montevideo.

### [XXII: A Crown of Nettles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxii-a-crown-of-nettles)

Daughter of the old man; she guides Richard and asks him to maintain the illusion for her father.

### [XXIII: The Red Flag of Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxiii-the-red-flag-of-victory)

Tells Lamb the tragic story of her father's madness and her brother's death; shows resilience and grief.

### [Mystery of the Green Butterfly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxiv-mystery-of-the-green-butterfly)

Gentle hostess with a tragic past; wears a green silk dress and hints at a secret trouble.

### [Deliver Me from Mine Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxv-deliver-me-from-mine-enemy)

Desperate and imprisoned in her own home, she sends Santos to propose marriage to Richard as a means of escape from Don Hilario.

### [Lock and Key and Sinners Three](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxvi-lock-and-key-and-sinners-three)

Referenced as the reason for Lamb's mission; her appeal drives his quixotic adventure.

### [Night and Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxvii-night-and-flight)

Initially refuses to flee due to shame and fear, but eventually joins Richard after emotional confession.

### [Back to Buenos Aires](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/chapters/xxix-back-to-buenos-aires)

Flees to Buenos Aires; recognizes Santa Coloma in disguise; is taken in by Señor Villaverde; tearfully thanks Richard.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters/demetria
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_purple_land_se/characters