Mrs. Grose

Flora

Flora shares a warm, trusting bond with Mrs. Grose, who acts as a maternal figure and protector against the governess's accusations.

Miles

Mrs. Grose has a fond, protective relationship with Miles, though she is troubled by his mysterious expulsion from school.

Miss Jessel

Mrs. Grose knew Miss Jessel as the previous governess and speaks of her with pity, aware of her tragic affair with Quint.

Luke

Luke is a subordinate servant to Mrs. Grose, taking orders from her in the household hierarchy.

Flora

Flora shares a warm, trusting bond with Mrs. Grose, who acts as a maternal figure and protector against the governess's accusations.

Miles

Mrs. Grose has a fond, protective relationship with Miles, though she is troubled by his mysterious expulsion from school.

Miss Jessel

Mrs. Grose knew Miss Jessel as the previous governess and speaks of her with pity, aware of her tragic affair with Quint.

Flora

Flora shares a warm, trusting bond with Mrs. Grose, who acts as a maternal figure and protector against the governess's accusations.

Prologue

The housekeeper at Bly, formerly maid to the master's mother, who is fond of Flora and acts as superintendent.

I

Welcomes the governess warmly but with a hint of guardedness; provides information about the children and the household.

II

Defends Miles, reveals she cannot read, and provides information about the previous governess's departure and death.

Chapter III

Shares a private word with the governess about the letter; they embrace and vow to see the matter out together.

IV

Meets the governess in the hall after her return, unaware of the incident; later sees the governess at the window and is frightened.

V

Listens to the governess's account, becomes increasingly disturbed, and ultimately identifies the man as Peter Quint.

VI

Reveals that Peter Quint was 'much too free' and that she was afraid of him; she supports the governess but is deeply scared.

VII

Listens to the governess's revelation, confirms Miss Jessel's infamous past with Quint, and offers motherly comfort as the governess breaks down.

Chapter VIII

Reluctantly reveals that Miles lied about spending time with Quint and that she had criticized their close alliance, showing her fear and hesitation.

Chapter X

Mrs. Grose is mentioned as keeping the empty rooms in exemplary order, though she does not appear directly in this chapter.

Chapter XI

Listens to the governess's account with placidity and a lack of imagination, offering a steady presence.

Chapter XII

Listens to the governess's theories with growing alarm and suggests writing to the master, but is warned not to.

XIII

Mentioned in the governess's recollection of their talk after the lake scene; the governess had perplexed her by saying she would rather keep her power of seeing.

Chapter XIV

Walks ahead with Flora to church, present but not directly involved in the conversation.

XV

Mentioned indirectly as part of the household; her absence at church contributes to the governess's sense of isolation.

Chapter XVI

Admits the children asked her to keep silent about the governess's absence; is shocked by the governess's revelations and offers to communicate with the master through the bailiff.

XVII

Mentioned indirectly as someone who might look for proof that nothing is 'out' in Miles's behavior.

Chapter XVIII

Asks about the letter, helps search for Flora, and is alarmed by the governess's revelations about the ghosts.

XIX

Follows the governess reluctantly, expresses fear and confusion.

Chapter XX

Unable to see the apparition, she defends Flora and reassures her, then retreats with the child, convinced something awful has occurred.

Chapter XXI

Reports Flora's fever and hatred of the governess; reveals Miles stole the letter.

XXII

Departed with Flora, leaving the governess alone with Miles.

XXIV

Not present in this chapter, but referenced indirectly through the earlier events with Flora.