# Paula — The Sword of Damocles character guide > Paula in The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Paula Fairchild, Little Paula, Miss Paula **First appearance:** 0002-the-sword-of-damocles ## Snapshot A young woman who returns from a season among the wealthy to her aunts' village parlor, carrying memories she cannot quite set down. ## Who they are Paula Fairchild has come back to Grotewell to wait out the weeks before her marriage, her beauty restored but her thoughts still wandering to Cicely, to Bertram, and to a wretched woman dying in a New York hospital. The village gossips have tired of her; her aunts have offered her a home; and she has agreed to read a poem aloud at the Squire's entertainment, though the idea of exposing something private to strangers unsettles her. She is a woman learning to live between two worlds, and the poem she is about to read may be the first thing that belongs entirely to her. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ### [Mr. Ensign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_ensign) _professional_ Mr. Ensign is Paula's employer or superior, giving her orders and overseeing her work, though he shows some personal interest. ### [Ona Delafield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/ona_delafield) _friendship_ Ona is Paula's close friend and confidante, offering support and companionship amidst the intrigue. ### [Young Mandeville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/young_mandeville) _romantic_ Paula and Young Mandeville share a romantic attraction, though it is complicated by external pressures and secrets. ### [Jacqueline Japha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/jacqueline_japha) _friendship_ Jacqueline and Paula are friends and peers, sharing social circles and personal confidences. ### [Cicely Stuyvesant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/cicely_stuyvesant) _rivalry_ Cicely is jealous of Paula and competes with her for social standing and attention. ### [Mrs. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mrs_sylvester) _family_ Mrs. Sylvester is Paula's mother or guardian, caring for her but also complicit in the family's manipulations. ### [Aunt Belinda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/aunt_belinda) _family_ Aunt Belinda is Paula's aunt, offering maternal care and advice, though she is somewhat removed from the main intrigue. ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ### [Ona Delafield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/ona_delafield) _friendship_ Ona is Paula's close friend and confidante, offering support and companionship amidst the intrigue. ### [Jacqueline Japha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/jacqueline_japha) _friendship_ Jacqueline and Paula are friends and peers, sharing social circles and personal confidences. ## In the story ### [Book I: Two Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-i-two-men) The woman both men are in love with; her character is central to the conflict. ### [I: A Wanderer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/i-a-wanderer) The woman at the cathedral, whose despair and bitterness are introduced. ### [III: A Mysterious Summons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/iii-a-mysterious-summons) The young girl who writes the letter and meets Mandeville, showing her innocence and remorse. ### [IV: Searchings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/iv-searchings) The young woman whose identity the narrator seeks; she is implied to be Miss Preston, the banker's daughter. ### [The Rubicon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/v-the-rubicon) Meets Mandeville at a party. She is agitated but appreciates his discretion. She tells him they can never be friends, hinting that his profession is the reason. ### [IX: Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/ix-paula) Now a young woman of extraordinary beauty and a poetic, dreamy nature. She remembers her first meeting with Mr. Sylvester and is inspired by his presence, revealing her love of knowledge and imagination. ### [X: The Barred Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/x-the-barred-door) Innocent and curious about the barred house and the story of Jacqueline Japha. She shares her thoughts on nature and the city, and bids Mr. Sylvester farewell with affection. ### [XI: Miss Stuyvesant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xi-miss-stuyvesant) Discussed as a potential addition to the Sylvester household, with Mrs. Sylvester hoping she can assist with personal tasks. ### [XII: Miss Belinda Makes Conditions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xii-miss-belinda-makes-conditions) Radiant and joyful at the prospect of going to the city with Mr. Sylvester, whom she idolizes. She expresses strong moral convictions. ### [XIII: The End of My Lady's Picture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xiii-the-end-of-my-lady-s-picture) Arrives from Grotewell, dazzled by the luxurious surroundings; shows a natural grace and deep emotional response to music. ### [Life and Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-ii-life-and-death) Mentioned in the context of the summons and the unfolding events. ### [Miss Belinda Has a Question to Decide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xiv-miss-belinda-has-a-question-to-decide) Though absent, her letters form the core of the chapter, revealing her experiences, friendships, and observations of the Sylvester household over the past year. ### [XV: An Adventure—Or Something More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xv-an-adventure-or-something-more) Experiences a reawakening of joy during the ride, shows compassion for the injured child, and displays courage when confronting the sinister woman. ### [XVI: The Sword of Damocles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvi-the-sword-of-damocles) Deeply affected by the day's events, she shares her disturbing encounter with a malicious woman and reflects on the theme of hidden sins. ### [XVII: Grave and Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvii-grave-and-gay) Converses with Mr. Ensign, showing her love for the country and her admiration for Mr. Sylvester. ### [XVIII: In the Night Watches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xviii-in-the-night-watches) Stays awake in the moonlight, anxious about Mr. Sylvester's absence and his strange movements. ### [The Dregs in the Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xx-the-dregs-in-the-cup) Anxious about Mr. Sylvester's state, hints at a hidden trouble, and recalls a disturbing scene from the previous night. ### [XXI: Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxi-departure) Preparing to leave, she is overwhelmed by grief and anxiety, but finds solace in Mr. Sylvester's final blessing and his invitation to return. ### [Book III: The Japha Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-iii-the-japha-mystery) Present in the narrative, observing the unfolding events and the dynamics within the Japha household. ### [XXIII: The Poem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxiii-the-poem) Reads her poem 'The Defence of the Bride' at a village entertainment; later agrees to visit Margery Hamlin. ### [The Japha Mansion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxiv-the-japha-mansion) Driven by curiosity and sympathy, she visits Mrs. Hamlin and is mistaken for Jacqueline, deepening her involvement in the mystery. ### [XXV: Jacqueline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxv-jacqueline) The listener to the narrative, urged to rest her head on the narrator's knee as the story unfolds. ### [XXVII: The Lone Watcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxvii-the-lone-watcher) Offers to take over the watch, showing her compassion and determination. ### [XXVIII: Sunshine on the Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxviii-sunshine-on-the-hills) Feels restless and imprisoned by her village life; encounters Clarence Ensign and reveals her yearning for the city. ### [XXIX: Mist in the Valley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxix-mist-in-the-valley) Paula is conflicted about Mr. Ensign's courtship and decides to return to Mr. Sylvester, feeling the need to test her own heart. ### [Book IV: From A. To Z.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-iv-from-a-to-z) Central figure torn between love and family duty, faces a life-changing choice. ### [XXX: Miss Belinda Presents Mr. Sylvester with a Christmas Gift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxx-miss-belinda-presents-mr-sylvester-with-a-christmas-gift) Returns to Mr. Sylvester's house, feels at home, and agrees to pray for him. ### [A Question](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxi-a-question) Feels unsettled and shy about Ensign's gift; responds to Sylvester's metaphorical question with a romantic ideal of love. ### [Full Tide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxii-full-tide) Drawn into society, surrounded by Mr. Ensign's attentions, unaware of Mr. Sylvester's inner turmoil. ### [XXXIII: Two Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiii-two-letters) Struggles with her feelings for Mr. Sylvester and Mr. Ensign, ultimately deciding to confront Mr. Sylvester about his past. ### [XXXIV: Paula Makes Her Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiv-paula-makes-her-choice) Struggles with her choice, asks Mr. Sylvester for advice, burns Mr. Ensign's letter, showing her commitment. ### [Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxvi-morning) Radiant and peaceful, having resolved her feelings for Mr. Sylvester, but becomes troubled upon finding his note and key. ### [Blue-Beard's Chamber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxviii-blue-beard-s-chamber) Heavy-hearted and anxious, she awaits Mr. Sylvester. She reveals to Ensign that she has chosen a different path and later ventures into Sylvester's private room, where she finds a letter for her. ### [XXXIX: From A. To Z.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxix-from-a-to-z) The recipient of Sylvester's confession, his source of consolation. ### [Half-Past Seven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xl-half-past-seven) Determined to go to Mr. Sylvester, driven by love and fear for his safety, insists on accompanying Bertram. ### [Woman's Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-v-woman-s-love) Central figure in the exploration of woman's love, facing choices and sacrifices. ### [XLII: Paula Relates a Story She Has Heard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlii-paula-relates-a-story-she-has-heard) Shows compassion and insight, using a story to comfort Jacqueline and honor Mrs. Hamlin. ### [XLIII: Determination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xliii-determination) Shows unwavering loyalty and love, insists on sharing Sylvester's burden. ### [In Mr. Stuyvesant’s Parlors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xliv-in-mr-stuyvesant-s-parlors) Supports Cicely and Bertram, and whispers to Mr. Stuyvesant to bring Bertram in. ### [The Hour of Six Is Sacred](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlv-the-hour-of-six-is-sacred) Keeps her promise to Mrs. Hamlin by holding vigil at the Japha mansion, finds Jacqueline, and facilitates her final reconciliation. ### [The Man Cummins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlvi-the-man-cummins) Marries Mr. Sylvester and later gives him a note from Jacqueline Japha that frees him from his past obligation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters