Ulysses · Character
Gerty MacDowell
A young woman on Sandymount strand whose romantic daydreams and discreet exhibitionism give Bloom a moment of tender, guilty voyeuristic communion.
supporting
Also known as Gerty, Gerty MacDowell, a MacDowell
First appearance: xii
As a supporting figure in Ulysses, Gerty MacDowell is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A young woman on the strand, conscious of her appearance and romantic hopes, daydreams about a potential suitor and shares a silent encounter with Bloom.
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Gerty sits on the rocks with her friends, conscious of her limp, her cheap finery, and the sailor's gaze she imagines upon her. She dreams of a dark gentleman who will love her for herself, and when Bloom watches from a…
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See Gerty MacDowell in xiiCharacter Web
29 connectionsA slice of how Gerty MacDowell sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Psychological
- Other
Character groups
- Extended cast and historical figures
- Dublin social network
- Bloom's personal connections
+24 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the protagonist’s psychological breaking point: his…
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- Molly Bloom
psychological · positive
Gerty is a young woman who fantasizes about romance and marriage, and her thoughts… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
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See Gerty MacDowell in xiiIn the story
Gerty MacDowell appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Gerty MacDowell in xii