Who Mrs Allen is
Mrs Allen is a neighbor of Catherine Morland's family who travels to Bath with her husband. The Allens have no children, and they agree to take Catherine along for the season.
She is friendly and good natured, with a strong interest in clothes and comfort. In Bath, she comments on muslin and other women's hats while Catherine encounters an unfamiliar social world.
Mrs Allen and the others in the story
Mrs Allen accompanies Catherine, but she gives her little help in understanding the people around her. At an early ball, they sit together while Catherine waits without anyone asking her to dance.
Mrs Allen also knows Isabella Thorpe's mother, who is an old school acquaintance of hers. Catherine soon forms a friendship with Isabella, whose lively warmth contrasts with Mrs Allen's interest in clothes.
What Mrs Allen wants
Mrs Allen's attention rests chiefly on clothing and comfort rather than Catherine's need for advice. She is not unkind, but her limited guidance leaves Catherine to navigate unfamiliar company with little help.
Questions
Who is Mrs Allen in Northanger Abbey?
Mrs Allen is the friendly neighbor who takes Catherine Morland to Bath with her husband.
Is Mrs Allen a good chaperone?
She is good natured but a poor chaperone. Her attention to clothes leaves Catherine without much guidance about friendship and social expectations.