The Vicar of Bullhampton · Character

Fanny Brattle

The miller's steadfast daughter, who carries her family's shame and her sister's secret while keeping the household from breaking apart.

supporting

Also known as Fanny, Fan, Fanny Brattle, Poor Fanny Brattle

First appearance: VI: Brattle's Mill

As a supporting figure in The Vicar of Bullhampton, Fanny Brattle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The second daughter at home, a plain but sweet-natured girl loved by all in Bullhampton.

In the storyThe MillerOpen this moment free

Fanny Brattle moves between the mill, the Vicarage, and the troubles of her disgraced sister Carry, acting as the family's practical conscience. She comes to Mr. Fenwick for help on Sam's behalf and later bears the weight of her mother's failed errand. Dutiful without being passive, she embodies the Brattle family's stubborn decency and gives the novel its most grounded view of what scandal costs ordinary people.

See Fanny Brattle in The Miller Book page

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Character Web

24 connections

A slice of how Fanny Brattle sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and family
Nobility and minor officials
Extended cast and background figures

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of the confl…

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In the story

Fanny Brattle appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Miller
The second daughter at home, a plain but sweet-natured girl loved by all in Bullhampton.
VI: Brattle's Mill
The sister who now sleeps alone in the room once shared with Carry; she dares not speak of her sister.
The Miller's Wife
Sam's sister; confirms Sam slept at home the previous night and left at five in the morning for Lavington.
The Last Day
Learns from Mr. Fenwick that Sam has not been home; provides information about the cart.
XI: Don’t You Be Afeard About Me
Stops Fenwick as he leaves, expressing hope and receiving advice to monitor Sam's movements.
XXVII: “I Never Shamed None of Them.”
Supports her mother's plan to visit Carry and offers to help conceal the trip from her father.
XXVIII: Mrs. Brattle’s Journey
Mentioned as the recipient of Carry's love in the letter; Mrs. Brattle hands her the bundle upon returning home.
A Lover's Madness
Brings Sam's letter to the Vicar, seeking advice about sending money to her brother without her father's knowledge.
Carry Brattle’s Journey
Plans to go to Salisbury to find Carry, despite her father's likely disapproval; hears Carry's voice in the garden at night.
The Fatted Calf
Takes charge of the situation, deciding to shelter Carry without their father's knowledge, and later informs Mr. Fenwick.
The Miller Tells His Troubles
Supports Carry, walks with her to church, and plans to accompany her to Salisbury.
At the Mill
Supports her sister and encourages her to be patient with their father.
The Trial
Is up late at the mill to welcome Carry and her father home, and comforts Carry after the ordeal.
Conclusion
The dutiful daughter who knows her father best and observes his unspoken grief.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Fanny Brattle unlock in the free preview.

See Fanny Brattle in VI: Brattle's Mill

See Fanny Brattle in The Miller