The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Character

Widow Wadman

Alternate name for Mrs. Wadman, the amorous neighbor of Uncle Toby.

minor

First appearance: book ii

Widow Wadman shows up with force in Chapter XXIV. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced as the object of Uncle Toby's failed siege.

In the storyChapter XXIVOpen this moment free

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In Chapter XXIV: Referenced as the object of Uncle Toby's failed siege. Later, in Chapter XXXVI: Object of Uncle Toby's courtship,…

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See Widow Wadman in book ii

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Wide Cast of Digressions
Protagonist
Shandy Household Core

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage is the dramatic climax because it depicts the precise moment the corporal’s long-standing resista…

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In the story

Widow Wadman appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XXIV
Referenced as the object of Uncle Toby's failed siege.
Chapter XXXVI
Object of Uncle Toby's courtship, mentioned as the subject of the memoirs.
XXXVII
Described as extremely concupiscible, the object of Uncle Toby's love.
Book VIII
The object of Uncle Toby's affections; her strategic maneuvers in the courtship are a key focus.
VI
Feels something stirring in her favour towards Uncle Toby at first sight.
Chapter IX
Her night-shifts are described in detail; she spends three nights contemplating her feelings for Uncle Toby, ultimately revealing her love.
Chapter XI
Loves Uncle Toby but her love is not returned.
Chapter XIII
Described as standing ready and caparisoned to watch accidents, indicating her strategic patience in matters of love.
Chapter XIV
Mrs. Wadman strategically uses the proximity of their gardens to observe and approach Uncle Toby.
Chapter XVI
Mrs. Wadman orchestrates a calculated series of maneuvers—taking his pipe, guiding his finger, pressing her hand and leg—to kindle Uncle Toby's passions.
Chapter XXIV
Pretends to have a mote in her eye to lure Toby into intimate proximity.
Chapter XXVII
The object of Uncle Toby's affection, mentioned as the woman he is in love with.
Chapter XXVIII
Sits in council with Bridget, expressing fear about Uncle Toby's groin wound and its impact on his health.
Chapter XVI
Sits breathless behind the window-curtain, watching their approach.
Chapter XX
Blushes and internally debates whether to look at the place of Toby's wound.
Chapter XXVI
Mrs. Wadman tries to learn the precise location of Uncle Toby's wound through indirect questioning and a military reenactment.

Chapter companion notes

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See Widow Wadman in book ii

See Widow Wadman in Chapter XXIV