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Ulysses · Character

Mrs Dedalus

Stephen's deceased mother, who appears in his memories.

minor

Also known as Mrs Moll, Mary, Wilhelmina, Mrs Mary Dedalus born Goulding

First appearance: I

Mrs Dedalus shows up with force in I. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Stephen's deceased mother, whose deathbed request for prayer and subsequent haunting memory dominate Stephen's thoughts.
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In I: Stephen's deceased mother, whose deathbed request for prayer and subsequent haunting memory dominate Stephen's thoughts. Later, in Proteus: Stephen's mother; alluded to as a 'ghostwoman with ashes on her breath'…

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See Mrs Dedalus in I

Character Web

8 connections

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

RGRichie GouldingLBLeopold BloomDMDr MulliganLYLynchLELenehanMDMrs Dedalus

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Extended cast and historical figures
  • Dublin social network
  • Protagonist

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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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In the story

Mrs Dedalus appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mrs Dedalus in I
Who is Mrs Dedalus in Ulysses?