The Vicar of Bullhampton · Character

Mrs. Brattle

The miller's long-suffering wife, who risks her husband's wrath to seek out her fallen daughter Carry and returns home with nothing but grief.

supporting

Also known as old Mrs. Brattle, George I

First appearance: The Miller's Wife

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

Described as a loving, patient, self-denying woman, deeply loved by her husband, who prays daily for Carry.

In the storyThe MillerOpen this moment free

Mrs. Brattle accompanies Mr. Fenwick on the errand to reclaim Carry, only to watch the girl flee the moment she learns her family knows where she is. She comes home to a husband who tells her there is no use in scouring the country, and she can only sit on the bed and cry. Her silent endurance of shame and reproach gives the Brattle subplot its deepest pathos and tests the Vicar's own confidence in his charity.

See Mrs. Brattle in The Miller Book page

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Character Web

30 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

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

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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

Mrs. Brattle appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Miller
Described as a loving, patient, self-denying woman, deeply loved by her husband, who prays daily for Carry.
VI: Brattle's Mill
Mentioned as the mother who will be distressed by news of Sam; her domestic space is described in detail.
The Miller's Wife
The miller's wife, a devout woman who spends her afternoons with her Bible and stockings; deeply worried about Sam and grateful for Fenwick's leniency.
Crunch'em Can't Be Had
Visits the Vicarage to inform Fenwick that Sam has returned home and is helping with mill repairs.
Carry Brattle
Mentioned as the mother of Carry and Sam; Fenwick hopes her heart may change toward Carry.
XXVII: “I Never Shamed None of Them.”
Desperate to see her daughter Carry, she plans to visit Pycroft Common with Fenwick.
XXVIII: Mrs. Brattle’s Journey
Accompanies Mr. Fenwick to visit Carry, carrying a bundle of supplies; she is anxious, hopeful, and heartbroken when they find Carry gone.
Startup Farm
George's wife; fiercely opposes taking in Carry, citing her own children's reputation and the family's decency; dismisses Fenwick's pleas.
Carry Brattle’s Journey
Discusses Carry with Fanny, agrees to support Fanny's journey, and plans to tell the miller that Fanny has gone to Salisbury.
The Fatted Calf
Dismayed and frightened at Carry's return, but ultimately helps Fanny bring her inside.
The Miller Tells His Troubles
Shows special tenderness toward Carry, but is unable to restrain her talking.
At the Mill
Observes the family dynamics and is pleased by Sam's return and the miller's subtle change.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Brattle in The Miller's Wife

See Mrs. Brattle in The Miller