The Woman in White · Character

Mrs. Clements

A kind, plain-spoken woman who took in the abandoned Anne Catherick as a child and has sheltered her ever since, at real cost to herself.

supporting

Also known as Clements, Poor Mrs. Clements

First appearance: x

As a supporting figure in The Woman in White, Mrs. Clements is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the friend who helped Anne escape the asylum and brought her to Todd's Corner for safety and quiet.

In the storyXIIIOpen this moment free

Mrs. Clements raised Anne after her mother cast her off, and she loves the strange, frightened girl with a mother's stubborn tenderness. When Walter seeks Anne, Mrs. Clements becomes his most honest source of information, recounting the village scandal of Mrs. Catherick and Sir Percival. Her devotion to Anne makes her vulnerable to manipulation, and her simple trust will be exploited by those who mean Anne harm.

See Mrs. Clements in XIII Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

11 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Clements sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core conspiracy figures
Protagonist

+6 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because the narrator experiences a psychological crisis of paralysis, u…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Mrs. Clements appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XIII
Mentioned as the friend who helped Anne escape the asylum and brought her to Todd's Corner for safety and quiet.
Chapter XV
Mentioned as accompanying Anne Catherick; both women disappear after taking tickets to Carlisle.
The Narrative of Walter Hartright
Mentioned as the woman who accompanied Anne Catherick; not directly present in this chapter.
V
Anne Catherick's faithful friend and protectress; Walter seeks her out as the first step in his investigation.
VI
Provides a detailed account of her journey with Anne and the events leading to Anne's disappearance.
VII
Provides detailed recollections of Anne's early life, her own history, and Mrs. Catherick's behavior; is deeply grieved to learn of Anne's death.
IX
Mentioned as having described the vestry as a location for Sir Percival's clandestine meeting.
The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick
Mentioned as a poor, spiritless woman who cared for Anne and was disliked by Mrs. Catherick.
II
Walter visits her to fulfill his promise about Anne Catherick's death.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Clements unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Clements in x

See Mrs. Clements in XIII