The Wings of the Dove · Character

Susan Stringham

A widowed American writer and Milly's devoted companion, she watches her young friend's European adventure with maternal tenderness and mounting unease.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Stringham, poor Mrs. Stringham, the admirable Mrs. Stringham, Mildred, Shepherd, Susan Shepherd, Susan Stringham, Susie, dear old Susie, poor Susie, Dear Susan, Poor Susie

First appearance: the wings of the dove

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

Accompanies Milly to Europe and facilitates her introduction to Mrs.

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With Merton Densher (social): Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. With Milly Theale (friendship): Milly's devoted companion and confidante, who acts as a protective maternal figure.

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Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central schemers and victims
Minor peripheral figures
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
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. How this plays out →
Milly Theale
friendship · positive
Kate Croy
social · ambivalent
Maud Lowder
friendship · positive
Lord Mark
social · negative
Sir Luke Strett
professional · positive
Milly Theale
friendship · positive
Merton Densher
social · negative
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. How this plays out →
Merton Densher
social · negative
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives. How this plays out →
Kate Croy
social · ambivalent
Milly Theale
friendship · positive
Kate Croy
social · ambivalent

Merton Densher
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives.
Milly Theale
Milly's devoted companion and confidante, who acts as a protective maternal figure.
Kate Croy
Polite acquaintances who interact mainly through their connections to Milly.
Maud Lowder
Old friends who share social ambitions and a concern for Milly's welfare.
Lord Mark
Lord Mark is a persistent but unwelcome suitor in Susan's eyes for Milly.
Sir Luke Strett
Sir Luke communicates Milly's prognosis to Susan, who acts as her guardian.
Milly Theale
Milly's devoted companion and confidante, who acts as a protective maternal figure.
Merton Densher
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives.
Merton Densher
Acquaintances through Milly; Susan is suspicious of Densher's motives.
Kate Croy
Polite acquaintances who interact mainly through their connections to Milly.
Milly Theale
Milly's devoted companion and confidante, who acts as a protective maternal figure.
Kate Croy
Polite acquaintances who interact mainly through their connections to Milly.

Relationship notes

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In the story

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

Book II
Accompanies Milly to Europe and facilitates her introduction to Mrs. Lowder.
Book III
Accompanies Milly to London and facilitates her introduction to Mrs. Lowder's circle.
I
Observes Milly from a distance, fears for her safety, and reflects on her own life as a widow and writer; she is deeply impressed by Milly's strangeness and wealth.
II
Susan is concerned about Milly's health and happiness, and reflects on her own past with Maud Lowder. She writes letters to arrange connections in England.
Book IV
Susan accompanies Milly and provides a supportive presence, observing the social dynamics with concern.
II
Susan is mentioned as Milly's companion, but Kate finds her unremarkable, which mildly rankles Milly. She is part of the background of the week's activities.
III
Engages in late-night conversation with Milly about the visit and the implications of Densher's presence.
I
Susan is mentioned as the link between Milly and Mrs. Lowder, having restored their old friendship. She is described as 'dear delightful Susie' and credited with bringing Milly into the circle.
Chapter II
Milly plans to deceive Susan about her visit to Sir Luke Strett, considering her 'too good' to be worried.
IV
Susan is sparing in her criticism of Milly's independent excursion, leading Milly to wonder if Kate has given her a 'straight tip' or if Susan treats her with Byzantine deference.
V
Susan is sent off with Aunt Maud to the party, described as a 'link' and 'better than nothing' by Mrs. Lowder. Her departure leaves Milly alone with Kate.
VI
Mrs. Stringham is left to receive Sir Luke Strett on Milly's behalf; she is described as faithful and imaginative, quickly accepting the plan.
Chapter VII
Susan is present at the luncheon; Milly notices a feverish glitter in her face, indicating she is full of something—likely news from Sir Luke Strett.
Book VI
Susan remains a loyal companion to Milly, observing the dynamics with concern and devotion.
I
Present at the lunch with Milly, Densher, and Kate.
III
Arrives breathless and alone, agitated and keyed-up; she is confined to inhaling the incense of Milly's praise and appears more excited than pleasure requires.
IV
Visibly preoccupied and worried, likely due to Milly's health and her commission to report to Milly about Densher.
V
Briefly mentioned as Milly's companion and as having spoken with Milly about Densher's possible visit.
Book VII
Susan Stringham is devotedly attending to Milly, acting as her companion and protector in Venice.
I
Struggles with the burden of pity for Milly and is drawn into a manipulative scheme by Mrs. Lowder. She feels conflicted about her role and the need to deceive Milly.
II
Observes Milly's independence and reflects on Sir Luke's approach to Milly's case.
III
Milly pities her for having to be sorry and say little; she is given up to Eugenio for Milly's respites.
Book VIII
Susan Stringham is present in Venice, attending to Milly and observing the interactions with Densher, concerned for her friend's well-being.
I
Mrs. Stringham is part of the group with Mrs. Lowder and Kate, and is described as an inscrutable party to Mrs. Lowder's plan.
II
Susan Shepherd is noted for her discreet intervention, subtly acting in Densher's interest.
Chapter III
Mentioned as having spoken to Densher before dinner about Milly being better; believes Milly is improving.
Book IX
Susan is devotedly by Milly's side in Venice, acting as her companion and protector, deeply concerned for her health.
Book Tenth, Chapter I
Mrs. Stringham is briefly mentioned as leaving Densher and Milly alone, described as 'prodigious' in her tact.
Chapter II
Mrs. Stringham visits Densher, appearing weighted and splashed by rain, suggesting emotional distress.
III
Mrs. Stringham visits Densher in the dark, wet from the rain, to discuss Milly's dire state. She reveals that Milly has not spoken of Densher for three days.
Book Tenth, Chapter I
Briefly mentioned as having spoken to Densher about Milly turning her face to the wall.
II
Mentioned as having communicated news of Densher's departure from Venice to Mrs. Lowder.
Chapter V
Mentioned as having returned to America; Densher corresponds with her after Milly's death.

Chapter companion notes

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