The Second Mrs. Tanqueray · Character
Mrs. Cortelyon
A polished Surrey widow whose kindness to Ellean carries the quiet authority of a woman who knows exactly what society permits.
supporting
Also known as Aubrey Mrs. Cortelyon, Cortelyon, Mrs. Cortelyon Laughing, Mrs. Cortelyon Young Ardale Ellean, Dear Mrs. Cortelyon, Alice Cortelyon, Alice, Mrs. Cortelyon Mrs. Cortelyon
First appearance: act i
As a supporting figure in The Second Mrs. Tanqueray, Mrs. Cortelyon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With Paula Tanqueray (social): Mrs. Cortelyon is a society matron who disapproves of Paula and represents social…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mrs. Cortelyon sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mrs. Cortelyon in act iCharacter Web
2 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Cortelyon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Peripheral Society and Household
- Social and Romantic Entanglements
- Protagonist
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
This scene is the dramatic climax because Paula’s emotional peak—her hollow, vacant stillness and forced compo…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Paula Tanqueray
social · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mrs. Cortelyon in act i