The Wings of the Dove · Character

Maud Lowder

Kate's formidable, richly upholstered aunt, whose vast drawing-room at Lancaster Gate is a stage on which marriages are arranged and fortunes weighed.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Lowder, Aunt Maud, Maud, Dear old Aunt Maud, the squared, dear Aunt Maud, Maud Manningham

First appearance: The Wings of the Dove

As a supporting figure in The Wings of the Dove, Maud Lowder is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Kate's wealthy aunt, who is not physically present but looms large in Kate's thoughts as the source of her potential escape and the price of loyalty.

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With Merton Densher (social): Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth. With Kate Croy (family): Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature. With Milly…

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Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Social
Family
Other

Character groups

Central schemers and victims
Protagonist

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Densher realizes Kate has orchestrated a strat…

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Relationships

Merton Densher
social · negative
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth. How this plays out →
Kate Croy
family · ambivalent
Milly Theale
social · ambivalent
Susan Stringham
friendship · positive
Kate Croy
family · ambivalent
Merton Densher
social · negative
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth. How this plays out →
Milly Theale
social · ambivalent
Milly Theale
social · ambivalent
Susan Stringham
friendship · positive
Merton Densher
social · negative
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth. How this plays out →
Susan Stringham
friendship · positive
Kate Croy
family · ambivalent

Merton Densher
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth.
Kate Croy
Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature.
Milly Theale
Aunt Maud cultivates Milly as a wealthy social asset for her circle.
Susan Stringham
Old friends who share social ambitions and a concern for Milly's welfare.
Kate Croy
Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature.
Merton Densher
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth.
Milly Theale
Aunt Maud cultivates Milly as a wealthy social asset for her circle.
Milly Theale
Aunt Maud cultivates Milly as a wealthy social asset for her circle.
Susan Stringham
Old friends who share social ambitions and a concern for Milly's welfare.
Merton Densher
Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth.
Susan Stringham
Old friends who share social ambitions and a concern for Milly's welfare.
Kate Croy
Aunt and niece; Kate lives with Maud but resents her controlling nature.

Relationship notes

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See Maud Lowder in The Wings of the Dove

In the story

Maud Lowder appears across 33 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Wings of the Dove
Kate's wealthy aunt, who is not physically present but looms large in Kate's thoughts as the source of her potential escape and the price of loyalty.
Book I
Kate's wealthy aunt, who offers her a luxurious life but expects compliance in return.
I
Referred to as Aunt Maud; has made a proposal to Kate with the condition that she cut off relations with her father.
Chapter II
Referenced as Aunt Maud; her wishes and money are central to the conversation; Kate reflects on her past move to Mrs. Lowder's house.
Book II
Hosts Milly at Lancaster Gate and exerts influence over Kate's social life.
I
Aunt Maud is magnanimous yet manipulative, allowing Kate to see Densher but treating his visits as preponderantly to herself. She is described as a 'great seamed silk balloon' with gilded claws.
II
Described as grand and vulgar, she keeps Densher waiting in her vast drawing-room, symbolizing her power and her attempt to separate him from Kate.
Book III
Hosts Milly and Susan at Lancaster Gate; exerts her influence in the social scene.
II
Susan reflects on Maud Lowder's marriage and subsequent social rise, contrasting it with her own life and her current trophy of Milly.
Book IV
Aunt Maud exerts her influence over the social scene, hosting events and orchestrating introductions, particularly for Milly.
I
Mrs. Lowder is mentioned as the aunt of Kate Croy, a 'great reality' whose mind Milly thinks she might 'roughly make the circuit of.' She is the hostess of the dinner party and a figure from Milly's past.
II
Aunt Maud is a significant figure in the background, having taken up both Kate and Milly. Her motives and methods are discussed, and she is seen as a powerful force orchestrating the young women's interactions.
III
Referenced as having a wish for silence about Densher and as wanting Kate to marry Lord Mark.
Book V
Aunt Maud orchestrates social events and exerts influence over Kate and the others.
I
Aunt Maud is expansive and protective, urging Milly to stay and become part of their circle. She is portrayed as a 'natural force' orchestrating social connections.
V
Aunt Maud enlists Milly's help to find out if Densher is back, revealing her disapproval of the match and her desire to protect Kate from what she sees as Densher's unwanted attention.
VI
Aunt Maud is mentioned as having left the hope that things went beautifully; Milly tells her that Lord Mark is not there, earning the exclamation 'Oh, you exquisite thing!'
I
Referenced as 'Aunt Maud'; Kate has a promise to show at Lancaster Gate by six o'clock and must manage her expectations.
Chapter II
Aunt Maud is the obstacle to Kate and Densher's relationship; they must maintain appearances to avoid her suspicion.
III
Acts as the watchful manager, making Milly the topic of conversation and overseeing Kate's performance; her appreciation of Kate is described as managerial.
IV
Hosts the gathering, holds her court on the balcony, and is engaged with Mrs. Stringham, allowing Densher and Kate to converse privately.
V
Mentioned as part of the 'charitable zeal' that attempts to make Milly interesting to Densher.
I
Reveals her belief that Kate's affection for Densher is a delusion and enlists Susan's help in a plan to manage the situation. She is pragmatic and willing to use lies to achieve her ends.
III
Mentioned in the context of Lancaster Gate's plans for American visits and social position.
IV
Milly references Mrs. Lowder's desire for Lord Mark to marry Kate Croy.
I
Mrs. Lowder orchestrates Densher's visit to Venice and directs him to return to Milly; she is a key figure in the plot.
II
Mrs. Lowder is portrayed as believing her view can shape reality, and she sees Milly's rejection of Lord Mark as a sign of Milly's attachment to Densher.
Chapter III
Present at the party, entertaining Sir Luke Strett; Kate suggests she will deceive Sir Luke about Kate's sentiments if necessary.
Book Tenth, Chapter I
Aunt Maud is referenced in Densher's thoughts about Kate's explanation—she is suspicious of Densher and requires signs that he can stay away from London.
Book Tenth, Chapter I
Referenced as Aunt Maud; Densher wrote to her to arrange the visit.
II
Adopts Densher as a blighted figure, sharing in the pathos of Milly's story and deepening their association.
Chapter III
Mrs. Lowder expresses her displeasure at Kate's departure and informs Densher of Milly's death, inviting him to dine with her.
Chapter V
Discussed as having allowed Kate's stay at Mrs. Condrip's; her views on Kate's holiday are recounted.

Chapter companion notes

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