# Kate Croy — The Wings of the Dove character guide > Kate Croy in The Wings of the Dove by Henry James. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Kate, Croy, Kitty, poor worried Kate, Kate Croy **First appearance:** 0001-the-wings-of-the-dove ## Who they are Beautiful, clear-eyed, and dangerously practical, she waits in her father's shabby rooms for an interview she already knows will be the worst. ## Relationships ### [Merton Densher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/merton_densher) _romantic_ Secretly engaged lovers, but Kate manipulates Densher to pursue Milly's fortune. ### [Milly Theale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/milly_theale) _psychological_ Kate befriends Milly while secretly plotting to exploit her wealth and illness. ### [Susan Stringham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/susan_stringham) _social_ Polite acquaintances who interact mainly through their connections to Milly. ### [Maud Lowder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/maud_lowder) _family_ Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature. ### [Lord Mark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lord_mark) _social_ Kate uses Lord Mark as a potential distraction for Milly, but he later betrays her scheme. ### [Sir Luke Strett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/sir_luke_strett) _social_ Kate seeks information from Sir Luke about Milly's health to further her plan. ### [Marian Condrip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/marian_condrip) _family_ Kate's widowed sister, who lives in poverty and represents the burden Kate wishes to escape. ### [Merton Densher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/merton_densher) _romantic_ Secretly engaged lovers, but Kate manipulates Densher to pursue Milly's fortune. ### [Merton Densher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/merton_densher) _romantic_ Secretly engaged lovers, but Kate manipulates Densher to pursue Milly's fortune. ### [Milly Theale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/milly_theale) _psychological_ Kate befriends Milly while secretly plotting to exploit her wealth and illness. ### [Milly Theale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/milly_theale) _psychological_ Kate befriends Milly while secretly plotting to exploit her wealth and illness. ### [Maud Lowder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/maud_lowder) _family_ Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature. ## In the story ### [The Wings of the Dove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/the-wings-of-the-dove) Kate waits in her father's room, reflecting on her family's poverty and her father's manipulative nature. She decides to leave and accept her aunt's offer, feeling the weight of her choices. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-i) Visits her father and then her aunt, grappling with her family's poverty and her aunt's expectations. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Visits her father to discuss Aunt Maud's proposal and condition; offers to give up her inheritance for him but ultimately agrees to the separation. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Visits her sister Marian and defends her own choices; reveals she went to see her father; reflects on her move to Aunt Maud's after her mother's death. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-ii) Meets Milly at Lancaster Gate and begins a friendship with her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Kate is in a high retreat, reflecting on her relationship with Densher and her aunt's manipulations. She feels handsome but hard, clever but cold, and is determined to work her situation for everything. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Engages in deep conversation with Densher about his past, shows imagination and understanding, and echoes the need to please Aunt Maud. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-iii) Meets Milly at Lancaster Gate; begins to form a significant relationship with her. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-iv) Kate is actively involved in introducing Milly to society and managing the complex relationships between Milly, Densher, and Aunt Maud. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Kate is described as 'the handsome girl' and 'beautiful in character.' Milly interprets Kate's welcome as motivated by pity, and Lord Mark confesses he cannot 'make her out.' Kate is presented as a 'great reality' with 'incalculable movements.' ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Kate is generous and perceptive, forgiving Milly's bliss while privately feeling that Milly is not someone to change places with. She is aware of her own role in Aunt Maud's schemes and hints at hidden troubles. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Milly to Chelsea; her relationship with Mr. Densher is a subject of concern for Mrs. Condrip and Mrs. Lowder. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-v) Kate continues her secret engagement with Densher and maneuvers within Aunt Maud's social sphere. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Kate is described as a 'beautiful stranger' to Milly, her friend's appearance shifting with context. She is central to Mrs. Lowder's plans and to Milly's reflections on social roles. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Kate agrees to assist Milly in deceiving Susan Stringham and accompanies her to the doctor's appointment. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Milly to the consultation, waits for her, and questions her about the visit. Shows concern but also curiosity about Milly's condition. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Kate visits Milly at the hotel, eagerly inquiring about the doctor's verdict. Milly perceives her as beautiful and belonging to Mr. Densher. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Kate hovers on the balcony, her presence silently communicating to Milly that Densher has returned. She is the object of Aunt Maud's concern and Milly's direct, yet evasive, dealings. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/vi) Kate is in extraordinary form, frank and charming, moving about the room and performing for Milly; she discusses Lord Mark and her position under Aunt Maud's protection. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/vii) Kate is present with Densher when Milly encounters them; her fine first smile hints at the awkwardness of the meeting, and she later helps 'stand' Susan Stringham. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-vi) Kate continues to manipulate Milly, maintaining her plan to secure Densher's future through Milly's fortune. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Meets Densher at the station, arranges their secret meetings, shows composure and strategic planning, and introduces him to Milly Theale and Susan Stringham. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Kate orchestrates the plan, urging Densher to visit Milly and insisting that Milly's affection will help them continue their secret meetings. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Performs her role under Aunt Maud's managerial eye, displaying a disciplined and impeccable facade; she treats Mrs. Stringham beautifully and interprets for her across the table. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Reveals Milly's illness and fortune to Densher, proposing he console Milly. She orchestrates their secret relationship and manages appearances. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Referenced as the link between Densher and Milly, and as a masterful figure in Milly's life. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-vii) Kate is not physically present in Venice but orchestrates Densher's visit, continuing to manipulate events from afar. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as having been pleasant and clever during the luncheon. Mrs. Lowder believes Kate is deluded about her feelings for Densher and that the delusion must be removed. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as a friend of Milly's who may be in Venice and who is followed by Merton Densher. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Shares intimate, frank moments with Milly, aware of the duplicity in their relationship and Milly's hidden treasure. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Milly defends Kate's fidelity, claiming Kate has given her word that she is not in love with anyone. ### [Book VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-viii) Though not physically present in Venice, Kate's influence looms over Densher's visit. Her plan to secure Milly's fortune drives the action. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Kate is described as 'sublime' and is central to Densher's thoughts; she is part of the group with Mrs. Lowder and Mrs. Stringham. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Kate explains Mrs. Lowder's perspective and Lord Mark's actions, urging Densher to praise Milly to maintain the deception. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Pressures Densher to stay with Milly; agrees to his demand to come to him; observes Milly's pearls as a symbol of wealth and difference. ### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-ix) Though not physically present, Kate's influence looms over the chapter. Densher's visit is part of her scheme to secure Milly's fortune. ### [Book Tenth, Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Kate is absent but central to Densher's thoughts; her plan and her snub of him dictate his actions. He imagines she has explained his presence to Milly in a way that protects their scheme. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Kate is referenced as being aloof and having provided for herself, with a strained correspondence and a sense of distance from Densher. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Kate is mentioned as having not written to Milly for six weeks, and Densher blushes for her silence. Lord Mark proposed to Kate and was refused. ### [Book X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-x) Kate confronts Densher after he refuses the inheritance, and their relationship ends. ### [Book Tenth, Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Meets Densher at Lancaster Gate; questions him about his silence and his visit to Milly, showing both her strategic mind and her emotional involvement. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Manages the social dynamics with Densher and her aunt, inventing an awkwardness to cover their past connection. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Kate has left Mrs. Lowder to assist her sister Marian and her father, causing tension with Aunt Maud. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Refuses to read the letter; burns it; insists Densher must choose between her and the inheritance. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/kate_croy - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters