# Merton Densher — The Wings of the Dove character guide > Merton Densher in The Wings of the Dove by Henry James. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Densher, Mr. Densher, Mr. Merton Densher, poor Densher **First appearance:** 0001-the-wings-of-the-dove ## Who they are A clever, threadbare London journalist whose secret engagement to Kate Croy forces him to weigh love against the price of worldly advancement. ## Relationships ### [Kate Croy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/kate_croy) _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) _romantic_ Densher feigns romantic interest in Milly as part of Kate's scheme, but grows genuinely conflicted. ### [Susan Stringham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/susan_stringham) _social_ Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. ### [Maud Lowder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/maud_lowder) _social_ Aunt Maud disapproves of Densher as a suitor for Kate due to his lack of wealth. ### [Sir Luke Strett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/sir_luke_strett) _social_ Densher meets Sir Luke through Milly, and the doctor sees through his insincerity. ### [Lord Mark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lord_mark) _rivalry_ Rivals for Milly's attention and fortune, with Lord Mark ultimately exposing Densher's deception. ### [Kate Croy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/kate_croy) _romantic_ Secretly engaged lovers, but Kate manipulates Densher to pursue Milly's fortune. ### [Kate Croy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/kate_croy) _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) _romantic_ Densher feigns romantic interest in Milly as part of Kate's scheme, but grows genuinely conflicted. ### [Milly Theale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/milly_theale) _romantic_ Densher feigns romantic interest in Milly as part of Kate's scheme, but grows genuinely conflicted. ### [Susan Stringham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/susan_stringham) _social_ Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. ### [Susan Stringham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/susan_stringham) _social_ Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. ## In the story ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Marian Condrip names him as a source of fear and dread; Kate is defensive about him; he is discussed as a potential suitor without money. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-ii) Meets Kate secretly in Kensington Gardens to discuss their relationship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Densher meets Kate secretly and discusses their future. He is uneasy about Aunt Maud's disapproval and Kate's plan involving Milly Theale, but he agrees to see her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Recounts his visit to Mrs. Lowder, discusses his foreign upbringing and education, and resolves to be diplomatic in his dealings with Aunt Maud. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Milly recalls meeting Densher in New York and his confidence that she would look him up in London. Susan presses Milly about a promise to him. ### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-iv) Densher is present in the social gatherings, and his relationship with Kate is a point of tension and observation for Milly. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as being in love with Kate Croy; his silence in New York about his English friends is noted. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-v) Densher is drawn into Milly's orbit while maintaining his secret relationship with Kate. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Referenced indirectly through Milly's thoughts about her 'other identity' in relation to him, though not present in the chapter. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Merton Densher is indirectly present through Milly's perception that Kate's beauty and freedom are 'the peculiar property of somebody else's vision'—his. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Though not physically present, Densher's return is the unspoken subject of the chapter, communicated through Kate's demeanor and Aunt Maud's anxious inquiries. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/vii) Densher is initially quiet but later talks at length about his travels in the States, adopting a 'kind' manner that aligns with everyone else's view of Milly. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-vi) Densher is drawn closer to Milly, complicating his secret engagement to Kate and his role in their scheme. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Returns to London after weeks abroad, reunites with Kate at Euston, feels impatience and frustration over their secret relationship, and later meets Milly Theale and Susan Stringham. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Densher is conflicted about the plan to use Milly's feelings for him, but agrees to Kate's scheme. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Feels embarrassed and uncomfortable as the group discusses his supposed role in introducing Milly to society; he sees himself as a spectator in the drama between Kate and Aunt Maud. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Engages in a private conversation with Kate about Milly's health and Kate's plan. He expresses discomfort and skepticism but is drawn into the scheme. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Visits Milly, reflecting on his role as a potential comforter and the complexities of his relationships with Kate and Milly. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-vii) Densher arrives in Venice at Kate's behest, struggling with his role in the deception and his growing feelings for Milly. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the object of Kate's supposed delusion. Mrs. Lowder's plan may involve removing his influence as well. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as a gentleman who follows Kate Croy and may be in Venice; Milly expresses interest in him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Milly contrasts Lord Mark's questioning with what she imagines Densher would not ask, implying Densher's sensitivity. ### [Book VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-viii) Densher visits Milly in Venice, acting on Kate's plan. He is torn between his affection for Milly and his loyalty to Kate, feeling the weight of the deception. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Densher is the focal point of the chapter, reflecting on his motives, his relationship with Kate, and his interactions with Milly and Mrs. Lowder. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Densher questions Kate about Mrs. Lowder's motives and Lord Mark's visit, feeling the strain of their secret arrangement. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Negotiates with Kate, demanding she come to him in Venice as a condition for staying with Milly; feels a sense of conquest in their power struggle. ### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-ix) Densher visits Milly in Venice, carrying out Kate's plan. He is conflicted, feeling both pity for Milly and loyalty to Kate. ### [Book Tenth, Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Densher is tormented by the need to lie to Milly to uphold his promise to Kate. He feels the pressure of Kate's plan and his own conscience, seeking refuge in the idea of writing a book. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Densher is the focal point of the chapter, grappling with isolation, moral purification, and the consequences of his actions in Venice. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Densher is in Venice, deeply troubled by Lord Mark's actions and Milly's condition. He admits to feeling 'dead' and agrees to stay for Mrs. Stringham. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iv) Experiences a paradoxical sense of liberation and dread while accompanying Sir Luke; waits anxiously for news of Milly. ### [Book X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/book-x) Densher learns of Milly's death and the inheritance, and ultimately refuses it, leading to his final break with Kate. ### [Book Tenth, Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/i) Returns to London after three weeks in Venice; recounts his final visit to Milly and defends his decision not to lie to her about his engagement to Kate. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/ii) Haunted by Milly's fate, he seeks comfort in Mrs. Lowder's company and struggles with the role of a bereft suitor. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/iii) Densher grapples with his feelings after learning of Milly's death and Kate's family troubles, deciding to follow Kate and later attending the Oratory. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/chapters/v) Receives the letter from Milly's executors; offers it to Kate; declares he will marry her without the money. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/merton_densher - 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