# Laura Fairlie — The Woman in White character guide > Laura Fairlie in The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Fairlie, Fairlie, Lady Glyde, Dear Laura **First appearance:** 0005-i ## Snapshot A gentle, trusting heiress whose beauty and inheritance make her the prize in a game she cannot see being played around her. ## Who they are Laura Fairlie is the soft-spoken, blue-eyed daughter of Limmeridge, bound by her late father's wishes to marry Sir Percival Glyde despite her own misgivings and her growing feelings for Walter Hartright. Her delicacy and obedience are both her charm and her vulnerability — she is easily frightened, easily managed, and utterly unprepared for the ruthlessness of the man she is being pushed toward. Her marriage settlement, her likeness to Anne Catherick, and her trusting nature all converge to make her the still center of the novel's gathering storm. ## Relationships ### [Sir Percival Glyde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/sir_percival_glyde) _rivalry_ Laura is trapped in a miserable, abusive marriage to Sir Percival, who marries her for her money and treats her cruelly. ### [Marian Halcombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/marian_halcombe) _family_ Marian is Laura's devoted half-sister and fiercely protective guardian, sharing a deep bond of love and loyalty. ### [Count Fosco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/count_fosco) _psychological_ Fosco is the mastermind behind the conspiracy to imprison Laura and steal her identity, treating her as a pawn. ### [Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/walter_hartright) _romantic_ Laura and Walter share a deep, pure romantic love, though their relationship is initially thwarted by her marriage to Sir Percival. ### [Mrs. Catherick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/mrs_catherick) _social_ Laura has a brief, indirect connection to Mrs. Catherick through the mystery of Anne and Sir Percival, but they are not close. ### [Anne Catherick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/anne_catherick) _psychological_ Anne is obsessed with Laura due to their striking resemblance, warning her about Sir Percival and ultimately being used to impersonate her. ### [Marian Halcombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/marian_halcombe) _family_ Marian is Laura's devoted half-sister and fiercely protective guardian, sharing a deep bond of love and loyalty. ### [Marian Halcombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/marian_halcombe) _family_ Marian is Laura's devoted half-sister and fiercely protective guardian, sharing a deep bond of love and loyalty. ### [Sir Percival Glyde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/sir_percival_glyde) _rivalry_ Laura is trapped in a miserable, abusive marriage to Sir Percival, who marries her for her money and treats her cruelly. ### [Count Fosco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/count_fosco) _psychological_ Fosco is the mastermind behind the conspiracy to imprison Laura and steal her identity, treating her as a pawn. ### [Sir Percival Glyde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/sir_percival_glyde) _rivalry_ Laura is trapped in a miserable, abusive marriage to Sir Percival, who marries her for her money and treats her cruelly. ### [Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/walter_hartright) _romantic_ Laura and Walter share a deep, pure romantic love, though their relationship is initially thwarted by her marriage to Sir Percival. ## In the story ### [Preface to the Present Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/preface-to-the-present-edition) Mentioned as one of the characters who made friends for the author. ### [The First Epoch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-first-epoch) Walter's pupil at Limmeridge; bears a striking resemblance to Anne Catherick and is engaged to Sir Percival Glyde. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) One of the two young ladies Walter is to instruct in watercolour painting at Limmeridge House. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as Marian's half-sister, an angelic figure who is still absent due to a headache. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vii) Miss Fairlie; Walter is about to be introduced to her, and she is described as fond of art and conscious of her own defects in sketching. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/viii) Appears on the terrace in moonlight, her appearance mirroring Anne Catherick's; absent from luncheon due to a headache. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ix) Walter's pupil and object of his affection; her behavior changes after she becomes aware of his secret feelings. ### [The Summerhouse Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as being agitated by a letter; her engagement to Sir Percival Glyde is confirmed. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xi) Agitated and alarmed by the anonymous letter warning her against marrying Sir Percival Glyde. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xii) Seen walking alone in the garden, dressed in brown cloak and straw hat, ignoring her dog. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned in Walter's thoughts as the subject of the likeness to Anne; the anonymous letter warning her about Sir Percival is a central topic of discussion. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xiv) Her marriage engagement is announced in the newspaper, which may have agitated Anne; her future is the central concern. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xv) Shows nervousness and sadness at Walter's departure; plays Mozart for him; gives him a sketch of the summerhouse as a keepsake; promises to remember him. ### [The Story Continued by Vincent Gilmore of Chancery Lane, Solicitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-vincent-gilmore-of-chancery-lane-solicitor) Laura insists on proceeding with the marriage settlement without the protective clause, demonstrating her obedience and trust in Sir Percival. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the person to whom Sir Percival wishes to offer proof; she is not present in the scene. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Shows deep distress and reluctance about her marriage to Sir Percival, hinting at a secret she shares with Marian. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) Has agreed to marry Sir Percival Glyde; her inheritance and settlement are the central focus of the chapter. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv) Though not present in the scene, she is the central figure of the settlement dispute, and Gilmore acts on her behalf. ### [The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe, in Extracts from Her Diary 1](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-marian-halcombe-in-extracts-from-her-diary) Now Lady Glyde; Marian notes her physical and emotional decline after marriage, including a loss of vitality and increased anxiety. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Resigned to her marriage but determined to confess her love for Hartright to Sir Percival; shows uncharacteristic coldness and passivity. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) The bride-to-be; she is passive and resigned about her marriage, asks Marian not to mention her name to Hartright, and marries Sir Percival on the 22nd. ### [The Second Epoch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-second-epoch) Shows changes after marriage; becomes a victim of the conspiracy and is imprisoned in an asylum. ### [The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-marian-halcombe) Now Lady Glyde; she appears subdued and unwell, showing signs of distress and physical decline since her marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Marian's half-sister; recently married to Sir Percival Glyde; her letters reveal a troubling silence about her marriage. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Retains her gentle, affectionate nature, though Marian senses a lack of warmth between her and Sir Percival. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) Present at the boathouse discussion; agrees to sign documents only after careful review; shows knowledge of Sir Percival's financial troubles. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv) Pressured by Sir Percival to sign a document she hasn't read; shows rare defiance and contempt after his insulting remark. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/v) Reveals the secret of her unhappy marriage and Sir Percival's discovery of her love for Walter Hartright. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi) Shares her meeting with Anne Catherick, loses her brooch, and is distressed by the events. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vii) Bears bruises from Sir Percival's violence; reluctantly reveals she gave up Anne Catherick's letter under duress. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/viii) The distressed wife of Sir Percival Glyde; confined to her room, she anxiously awaits Marian's actions and fears further dangers. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ix) Discussed as knowing a secret and being in love with Walter Hartright; her money is the target of the conspiracy. ### [Marian's Diary: The Fever and Fosco's Postscript](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/x) Marian writes her name as she struggles with fever; the last legible marks resemble the initials of Lady Glyde. ### [The Story Continued by Frederick Fairlie, Esq., of Limmeridge House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-frederick-fairlie-esq-of-limmeridge-house) Fairlie's niece (Lady Glyde); the subject of the family dispute, as Fairlie is asked to take her in after her marital troubles. ### [The Story Continued by Eliza Michelson, Housekeeper at Blackwater Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-eliza-michelson-housekeeper-at-blackwater-park) Lady Glyde, who is manipulated and eventually taken away to be imprisoned in an asylum. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Insists on staying by Marian's bedside; suffers from exhaustion and depression after Marian's recovery. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Panic-stricken and anxious about her sister Marian; opposes staying at Count Fosco's house; shows unusual firmness but remains weak and depressed. ### [The Story Continued in Several Narratives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-in-several-narratives) Subject of the ongoing mystery, her story is further explored through multiple narratives. ### [The Narrative of Hester Pinhorn, Cook in the Service of Count Fosco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i-the-narrative-of-hester-pinhorn-cook-in-the-service-of-count-fosco) Referred to as Lady Glyde; arrives in poor health; suffers convulsions and fainting; dies suddenly of heart disease despite brief improvement. ### [II: The Narrative of the Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii-the-narrative-of-the-doctor) Listed as Lady Glyde on the death certificate; reported deceased at age twenty-one. ### [IV: The Narrative of the Tombstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv-the-narrative-of-the-tombstone) The deceased, whose tombstone records her as Laura, Lady Glyde, wife of Sir Percival Glyde. ### [The Narrative of Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/v-the-narrative-of-walter-hartright) Believed dead, but appears alive at her own grave, unveiling herself to Walter. ### [The Third Epoch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-third-epoch) Rescued from the asylum and her identity is restored. ### [The Story Continued by Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-walter-hartright) Victim of the conspiracy, her identity is at stake. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Believed dead by society, living in hiding with Walter and Marian, her memory and identity clouded but still recognizing Walter. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Rescued from the asylum; her memory of the conspiracy is fragmented, and she is found wearing Anne Catherick's clothes, her identity and sanity severely shaken. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) The victim of the conspiracy; her identity is hidden, and she is slowly helped to recover through gentle activities like drawing. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv) Referred to as Lady Glyde; the central figure whose identity and fortune are at stake; described as unable to testify due to her mental state. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/v) Walter reflects on the sad change in her appearance and his tender, compassionate love for her, hoping for her recovery. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi) Referenced as Lady Glyde; her marriage news triggers Anne's illness, and her name is used in the false message. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/viii) Feels useless and burdened; Walter and Marian help her regain purpose through drawing. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as safe and well, sending her love via Marian's letter. ### [The Story Continued by Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-walter-hartright) Victim of the conspiracy, her identity is at stake. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Told of Sir Percival's death; remains cheerful and unaware of the danger; focuses on her drawings and savings. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) Recovering from her ordeal, though memory of the conspiracy is lost; joyfully accepts Walter's love and marries him. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv) Walter's wife, still recovering from trauma; her sleep-talking spurs Walter's renewed resolve. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi) Walter's wife; asleep when Walter leaves, having gone to bed early with a headache. ### [The Story Continued by Isidor, Ottavio, Baldassare Fosco; Count of the Holy Roman Empire, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Brazen Crown, Perpetual Arch-Master of the Rosicrucian Masons of Mesopotamia; Attached (In Honorary Capacities) to Societies Musical, Societies Medical, Societies Philosophical, and Societies General Benevolent, Throughout Europe; etc. etc. etc.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-isidor-ottavio-baldassare-fosco-count-of-the-holy-roman-empire-knight-grand-cross-of-the-order-of-the-brazen-crown-perpetual-arch-master-of-the-rosicrucian-masons-of-mesopotamia-attached-in-honorary-capacities-to-societies-musical-societies-medical-societies-philosophical-and-societies-general-benevolent-throughout-europe-etc-etc-etc) Target of the identity swap; Fosco plans to take her identity instead of her life. ### [The Count's Narrative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-count-s-narrative) Victim of the identity swap; referred to as Lady Glyde. ### [The Story Concluded by Walter Hartright](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-concluded-by-walter-hartright) Her identity is restored and she is reunited with Walter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i) Presented to the tenants as living proof of the conspiracy; her identity is publicly restored. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii) Left in Marian's care while Walter travels; her well-being is a concern for Walter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii) Walter's wife; travels to Limmeridge with Marian and the child, and is present when the inheritance is revealed. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters/laura_fairlie - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/characters