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Unit 30: Virginia Woolf — Mrs. Dalloway: Themes and Characterization

Milly Brush Notes
Lady Bruton’s secretary, Milly is also a confidant and good friend. She cannot tolerate the
pomposity and extreme politesse exuded by Hugh Whitbread.

The Morrises
A family that is staying at Peter’s hotel, they eat dinner at the same time as Peter and befriend
him in the smoking room afterwards.

The Prime Minister
The man perceived as close to royalty by English society, the Prime Minister is kind enough
to visit the party. The guests are surprised at how ordinary he appears. Many of the other
characters reflect on him throughout the novel.

Ellie Henderson

Clarissa’s poor, quiet, and less than sociable cousin, Ellie is only invited to the party because
another of Clarissa’s guests invites her. Clarissa thought her too dull to invite. She speaks only
to Richard at the party. The rest of the time, she simply observes the guests and gathers gossip
to tell her friend, Edith.

Professor Brierly, Jim Hutton, Lord Gayton, Miss Blow

All guests at Clarissa’s party, Clarissa has a few moments to speak to each of them and to try
to smooth over any conflicts or boredom.

Miss Helena Parry

Clarissa’s old aunt, Miss Parry is part of the memories of Burton, where she chastised Sally
and befriended Peter. At the party, she tolerates the crowds and speaks to Peter about Burma.
Most are surprised that she is still alive.

The old woman

The neighbor whom Clarissa could view in the house adjacent, the old woman seems a mystery
to Clarissa. Though she often appears to be connected to others in her life, Clarissa admires
the elder neighbor’s privacy. Clarissa watches the woman as Clarissa looks outside after hearing
of Septimus’ suicide. The old woman’s turning off the lights to go to bed triggers Clarissa’s
realization that she must return to life and her party.

30.2.1 Analysis of Major Characters

Clarissa Dalloway

Clarissa Dalloway, the heroine of the novel, struggles constantly to balance her internal life
with the external world. Her world consists of glittering surfaces, such as fine fashion, parties,
and high society, but as she moves through that world she probes beneath those surfaces in
search of deeper meaning. Yearning for privacy, Clarissa has a tendency toward introspection

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