# Mother Théot — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel character guide > Mother Théot in The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Catherine Théot, the Théot **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man ## Snapshot A mystic old woman whose prophecies and cultish following make her a strange, unsettling force in the fevered politics of revolutionary Paris. ## Who they are Catherine Théot presides over a shadowy circle of devotees who hang on her visions, lending her an eerie authority that sits oddly beside the era's militant atheism. Revolutionaries who would sneer at priests still find themselves unsettled by her pronouncements, and her influence brushes against the ambitions of the men jostling for power. She embodies the superstition and fanaticism simmering beneath the Revolution's rationalist surface. ## In the story ### [Feet of Clay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii-feet-of-clay) Performs a séance, prophesying danger from a scarlet flower and a woman who will save Robespierre. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Performs the séance, prophesies danger from the Scarlet Pimpernel and salvation through a woman. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Conducts the séance, manipulates Robespierre with incense and prophecies, and warns him of the scarlet flower. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Receives payment from Chauvelin and confirms her role in manipulating Robespierre to compel Theresia Cabarrus's cooperation. ### [The Fellowship of Grief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii-the-fellowship-of-grief) The sorceress whose antechamber is filled with supplicants; she is not directly seen but her presence dominates the scene. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Her abode of mysteries is the setting; she is the proprietor of the séance room. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) The mystic whom the waiting people seek for incantations; she is behind the portière. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Régine has just come from her apartment after a séance that left her weary and upset. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned by the vagabond as a sorceress who can cure ailments of the body and mind. ### [One Dram of Joy Must Have a Pound of Care](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv-one-dram-of-joy-must-have-a-pound-of-care) Mentioned as the person Régine visited; gave Régine a powder for Joséphine's nerves. ### [Two Interludes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vii-two-interludes) Her antechamber is where Rateau was allegedly seen drunk, and where Langlois waited for an audience. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Soothsayer at whose antechamber Rateau was allegedly lying drunk, as per Langlois' testimony. ### [The Nest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xv-the-nest) Referenced in Percy's account of the confusion at her antechamber and the Fraternal Supper. ### [Mice and Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiii-mice-and-men) The witch consulted by Theresia; meets with Chauvelin and discusses Rateau's activities. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) The old witch whose séances have lost glamour after many devotees were guillotined; she now works with Chauvelin to trap the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [XXIV: By Order of the State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiv-by-order-of-the-state) Mother Théot's apartment serves as the setting; she is ordered away by Chauvelin after the confrontation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The sybil whose apartment serves as the meeting place; she is fearful and voluble. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v) Her apartments are the setting for the chapter's action. ### [Terror or Ambition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvii-terror-or-ambition) Shuffles about the apartment; Theresia asks her for a cloak and hood, and she warns Theresia not to despise Bertrand's love. ### [XXVIII: In the Meanwhile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxviii-in-the-meanwhile) Waits on Marguerite in silence with a dour mien, bringing meals but checking any attempt at conversation. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) The old woman who waits on Marguerite, bringing meals in silence with a dour mien. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the owner of the storeroom and a source of salves for Rateau's wound. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Referenced through her incantations that influence Theresia's ambitions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned by Rateau as a witch who spies for Chauvelin and lives above his warehouse. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v) Watches for Chauvelin in the vestibule of her house. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/mother_theot - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters