The Well of Loneliness
Loyal mentor who fears for Stephen's future.
Book I
Stephen's governess, observant and concerned for Stephen's well-being.
V
Stephen's governess, who observes Stephen's struggles with concern and attempts to offer guidance.
VI
Fears for Stephen's future and supports her through her struggles.
VII
Observes Stephen's struggles with concern, understanding the challenges Stephen faces in a society that does not accept her.
II
Stephen's tutor, a small, square, grey-clad woman with a firm chin and warm smile; she imposes order, teaches with genius, and becomes a trusted friend.
III
Puddle has been Stephen's tutor for three years, ingeniously guiding her education and helping her develop both mind and body.
VIII
Puddle serves as a confidante and source of support for Stephen, understanding her struggles more than most.
II
Puddle observes Stephen's social distress with concern, comparing her confident student to the awkward young woman at parties, and feels uneasy about Stephen's inability to cope.
IX
Mentioned in Stephen's reflections as a supportive figure from her past.
I
Mentioned as working upstairs in the schoolroom, swatting at Greek to keep pace with Stephen.
Chapter X
Puddle observes Stephen's struggles with concern, embodying loyalty and quiet support.
I
Sings in church, writes to her sister, and is present during the family festivities.
XI
Puddle remains a supportive figure, though her influence is now more distant.
I
Reacts with unusual emotion to Stephen's mention of Martin, kissing her in a rare display of affection.
XIII
Mentioned in connection with Stephen's fears and the burden of secrecy.
II
Mentioned by Sir Philip as an example of a well-educated, sensible woman to justify Stephen's Oxford education.
III
Puddle is angry with Anna and Sir Philip, and tries to harden Stephen while offering her support.
I
Miss Puddleton is sent by Stephen to break the news gently to Lady Anna.
Book II
Stephen's governess; observes Stephen's struggles with concern and loyalty.
XV
Mentioned in the context of Stephen's past and her fears for Stephen.
I
Frustrated by the 'tyranny of silence,' she feels helpless to guide Stephen and considers leaving but decides to stay.
II
Remains at her post, waiting grimly for something to happen.
IV
Brightly inquires about Stephen's lateness, warns Stephen about Angela Crossby's reputation, and regrets her clumsy advice after Stephen's outburst.
XVII
Puddle is mentioned as a loyal but concerned presence, having previously warned Stephen about the difficulties she would face.
I
Puddle is present in the evening when Stephen shows off her new neckties, but responds with a grunt, indicating disapproval or lack of enthusiasm.
XVIII
Implied presence as a confidante, though not directly featured in the excerpt.
I
Resents Angela's presence and deeply mistrusts her.
III
Faithful and anxious, she sticks to Stephen like a leech, curses her own folly, and longs to give wise advice but is bound by the conspiracy of silence.
XXI
Mentioned in Stephen's thoughts as a loyal figure from her past.
I
Writes from Morton; Stephen reassures Anna that all is well there.
XXII
Observes Stephen's turmoil from a distance, worried about her former pupil's choices.
I
Greets Stephen at Morton with a warm, mocking, pitiful smile; Stephen lifts her up and feels glad to be home.
XXIII
Mentioned as a loyal figure from Stephen's past, now absent.
XXIV
Puddle observes the growing tension between Stephen and Mary with concern.
II
Puddle is distressed by Stephen's decay and argues with God like Job.
VI
Puddle is mentioned as praying for Stephen at that moment.
XXV
Puddle observes Stephen's emotional turmoil and fears for her future, offering quiet support.
II
Waits in the hall, snaps at Stephen about Angela, and expresses deep worry over Stephen's appearance and behavior.
III
Waits for Stephen at Morton, confronts her about her absence and distress, and offers understanding.
I
Mentioned as the companion Anna plans to send with Stephen when she leaves Morton.
II
Puddle finds Stephen in despair and offers her support, sharing her own past suffering and encouraging Stephen to find purpose in her difference.
Book III
Stephen thinks about Puddle's loyalty and guidance.
I
Stephen's loyal companion and caretaker in London. She manages the household, tends to Stephen's health, and scolds her when her courage falters.
III
Puddle is Stephen's former governess who takes charge of managing Stephen's public relations, answering calls, giving interviews, and shielding Stephen from unwanted attention.
IV
Observes Stephen's distress and is internally devastated, realizing her own theories about endurance offer no comfort against Stephen's physical and spiritual bondage.
XXIX
Puddle observes the growing tension between Stephen and Mary with concern, fearing for Stephen's emotional well-being.
I
Tries to console Stephen about her novel but is rebuffed.
The Unlit Lamp
Puddle is a steady, loyal presence in Stephen's life, offering silent support and understanding.
I
Mentioned as having accepted Brockett despite disliking his clothes and cufflinks; she welcomed him as a potential distraction for Stephen.
II
Puddle is present and offers to help with the parcels, but Brockett insists on doing everything himself.
III
Silently angry at Brockett's bluntness, she remains cold and focused on her embroidery.
IV
Angry and bitter, her pride wounded for Stephen; she tries to deceive Stephen by dismissing Brockett's words.
V
Stephen acknowledges that Puddle has saved her and will accompany her abroad.
XXXI
Puddle remains a supportive but worried observer, concerned about the challenges Stephen and Mary face.
I
Travels with Stephen to Paris; receives roses from Brockett; watches Stephen carefully during lunch.
II
Present during the tour but too tired to talk; she remains silent as Stephen and Brockett engage with the historical atmosphere.
III
Puddle feels old and frightened, homesick for England, and worries about Stephen's future and the lack of suitable companions.
VI
Puddle questions Stephen about her meeting with Valérie Seymour and worries that Stephen may not find happiness in a city, given her love for country life.
XXXII
Observes Stephen's behavior with concern, recognizing the destructive patterns emerging in her relationship with Mary.
I
Accompanies Stephen on furniture-hunting trips and is given a round sanctum in the turret of the new house.
II
Quietly supports Stephen, dozes by the fire, and shares the Christmas meal with her.
I
Puddle lives with Stephen, anxious about her but relieved by their quiet life.
II
Puddle is present at the reunion and is an amused spectator, later expressing that she likes Mademoiselle Duphot.
IV
Accompanies Stephen on the visit, also examines the picture of Thérèse, and is present during the conversation about the miracle.
V
Visits Mademoiselle Duphot alone; discusses Stephen's childhood and future guardedly; forms a sympathetic alliance with Mademoiselle Duphot.
I
Expresses relief that England entered the war, representing the older generation's perspective.
II
Encourages Stephen, suggesting the war may give her sort of woman a chance.
III
Accompanies Stephen in farewells and travels with her to England.
IV
Gets a job in a Government department, shares a flat with Stephen in Victoria, and sympathetically listens to Stephen's plans.
V
Receives letters from Morton with reports on the estate and lists of war dead.
Book IV
Stephen's loyal governess, who fears for Stephen's future and supports her through the difficult transition.
I
Anxious about Stephen's mother; reluctantly agrees to visit Morton after Stephen's request.
IV
Likely one of the four women, part of the ambulance crew.
XXXVI
Observes the growing tension between Stephen and Mary with concern.
I
Mentioned in Mary's curiosity about Morton; a figure from Stephen's past.
III
Sends food and luxuries to Stephen, and follows the war closely with a map and pins.
III
Mentioned as having written a letter to Stephen.
IV
Puddle senses Stephen's unhappiness and the nature of her attachment to Mary. She struggles with jealousy and resentment but ultimately decides to stay at Morton, effectively ending their close companionship.
XXXIX
Mentioned in connection with Stephen's past and fears.
Book V
Supports Stephen during the discovery and aftermath, offering quiet loyalty.
III
Her old room overlooking the garden is now Mary's bedroom.
II
Mentioned as one of the two women awaiting Stephen at Morton, whom Stephen loves and respects.
I
Advises Stephen to use her work as a weapon and the only harbour for Mary.
I
Sends a long, triumphant letter celebrating Stephen's success.
XLVIII
Puddle is remembered as a loyal and supportive figure, whose influence has helped Stephen navigate her challenges.
I
Recalled as having divined the truth that 'like to like' applies to people like Stephen.
L
Puddle is not physically present in this chapter but is referenced as a figure of past guidance and concern for Stephen's future.
LI
Observes Stephen's destructive behavior and the deterioration of her relationship with Mary, offering a concerned perspective.
II
Stephen mentions Puddle in conversation with Valérie, recalling her earlier opinion of Valérie.
I
Forwarded Martin's letter from Morton to Stephen.
II
Referenced as Stephen's former confidante who has not seen Mary and cannot easily visit.
