Zuleika Dobson · Character

Katie

Zuleika's maid, briskly modern in outlook, who follows her mistress into Oxford and sees more of the truth than anyone around her.

supporting

Also known as Modern Katie, Intensive Katie

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Zuleika Dobson, Katie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Cleans the doorstep, intercepts Zuleika's letter, and confronts Mélisande with hostility, refusing to wake the Duke.

In the storyChapter XIVOpen this moment free

See Katie in Chapter XIV Book page

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

Katie attends Zuleika through her triumphs, a practical presence amid the incense and emeralds, and her modern opinions make her a quiet counterweight to the antique romance of Oxford. Devoted yet clear-eyed, she registers the absurdity of what the undergraduates are doing even as her mistress basks in it. She matters because she gives the reader a level-headed vantage on Zuleika's spell — someone close enough to see the machinery behind the wonder.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Katie sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Katie in ii

Character Web

11 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Psychological
Friendship
Romantic
Other

Character groups

Central characters and catalysts
Peripheral and background 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
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The narrative climax occurs here because the Emperors' ancient, detached contemplation of youth versus death c…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Duke of Dorset
professional · positive
Katie is the Duke's devoted housemaid, who secretly loves him but serves him with quiet… How this plays out →
Zuleika Dobson
psychological · negative
Noaks
friendship · positive
Clarence
romantic · ambivalent
Mrs. Batch
professional · positive
Noaks
friendship · positive
Duke of Dorset
professional · positive
Katie is the Duke's devoted housemaid, who secretly loves him but serves him with quiet… How this plays out →
Clarence
romantic · ambivalent
Zuleika Dobson
psychological · negative
Clarence
romantic · ambivalent
Zuleika Dobson
psychological · negative
Mrs. Batch
professional · positive

Duke of Dorset
Katie is the Duke's devoted housemaid, who secretly loves him but serves him with quiet loyalty.
Zuleika Dobson
Katie is jealous of Zuleika's hold over the Duke, but also fascinated and intimidated by her glamour.
Noaks
Katie and Noaks share a bond of mutual sympathy as outsiders, both nursing unrequited feelings for the Duke and Zuleika respectively.
Clarence
Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.
Mrs. Batch
Katie and Mrs. Batch work together as servants, with Mrs. Batch acting as a senior figure and confidante to Katie.
Noaks
Katie and Noaks share a bond of mutual sympathy as outsiders, both nursing unrequited feelings for the Duke and Zuleika respectively.
Duke of Dorset
Katie is the Duke's devoted housemaid, who secretly loves him but serves him with quiet loyalty.
Clarence
Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.
Zuleika Dobson
Katie is jealous of Zuleika's hold over the Duke, but also fascinated and intimidated by her glamour.
Clarence
Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.
Zuleika Dobson
Katie is jealous of Zuleika's hold over the Duke, but also fascinated and intimidated by her glamour.
Mrs. Batch
Katie and Mrs. Batch work together as servants, with Mrs. Batch acting as a senior figure and confidante to Katie.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Katie in ii

In the story

Katie appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XIV
Cleans the doorstep, intercepts Zuleika's letter, and confronts Mélisande with hostility, refusing to wake the Duke.
XVI
Katie appears briefly at the doorway to ask about luncheon, showing her devotion to the Duke and her awareness of Zuleika's presence.
XVII
The landlady's daughter who serves the Duke; he questions her about her love for him and gives her the pearls, leading to a misunderstanding.
XVIII
Weeps at the Duke's departure, is turned to stone by his regalia, and is kissed by him on the doorstep.
XIX
Briefly mentioned as the Duke kissed her goodbye and then lost sight of her.
XX
Faints upon hearing of the Duke's death, then expresses grief by black-leading the doorstep, her personal ritual of love.
Chapter XXII
Reveals the Duke gave her earrings and kissed her; later becomes engaged to Noaks.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Katie in ii

See Katie in Chapter XIV