The Constant Wife characters

Appears from the start

The composed and socially assured wife of the successful surgeon John Middleton. Those around her assume she is unaware of John's affair, but her calm manner reflects a deliberate understanding of her marriage and of the economic dependence built into it.

Appears from the start

Constance's husband, a fashionable London surgeon. He is having an affair with Marie-Louise Durham while relying on Constance to preserve the respectable ease of their household.

Also known as Mrs Culver

Appears from the start

Constance and Martha's widowed mother. Conventional about marriage, money, and reputation, she regards a wife's material security as more important than strict equality between spouses.

Appears from the start

Constance's younger sister, whose directness and modern opinions contrast with their mother's social caution. She is troubled by John's deception and believes Constance should be told the truth.

Appears from the start

Constance's close friend and former suitor, recently returned after years abroad. He still loves her and offers an alternative to the comfortable but unequal arrangement of her marriage.

Also known as Mrs Durham

Appears from the start

Constance's friend and the wife of Mortimer Durham. She is having an affair with John Middleton and becomes increasingly nervous that the relationship will be exposed.

Appears from the start

Marie-Louise's husband, who discovers her involvement with John and brings the accusation into the Middleton household. His anger threatens the discreet social arrangement the others are trying to maintain.

First appears in chapter 2

Constance's business associate in a decorating venture. Their work provides a practical route for Constance to earn money independently of her husband.