Sons and Lovers: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in Sons and Lovers, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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GertrudeGertrude is Walter Morel's wife, struggling with poverty, pregnancy, and his drinking while finding comfort in her children.First seen in chapter 1
Walter MorelWalter Morel is Gertrude's husband, whose drinking and false claims have damaged their marriage.First seen in chapter 1
WilliamWilliam is Gertrude's son, who proudly shows her around the fair and gives her egg cups.First seen in chapter 1
AnnieAnnie is one of Gertrude's children and accompanies her to the fair.First seen in chapter 1
PaulPaul is Gertrude's newborn son, toward whom she turns with fierce love.First seen in chapter 2
Mr. HeatonMr. Heaton offers Gertrude companionship and shares tea with her before Walter interrupts.First seen in chapter 2
ArthurArthur is another son born to Gertrude and Walter Morel.First seen in chapter 3
MiriamMiriam is a girl Paul meets during a spring visit to Willey Farm.First seen in chapter 6
LilyLily is William's fiancée, whose fine clothes impress the children but whose treatment of them troubles him.First seen in chapter 6
ClaraClara is a married woman whom Miriam introduces to Paul, attracting his interest.First seen in chapter 8

Chapter 1
Gertrude struggles with poverty, pregnancy, and Walter's drinking, while William delights her with two egg cups.
Chapter 2
Gertrude gives birth to Paul and turns toward him as Walter grows more hostile and distant.
Chapter 3
Gertrude nurses Walter through serious illness, but her hopes increasingly center on William.
Chapter 3
William leaves home for a well-paid London job, largely unaware of his mother's grief.
Chapter 4
Paul grows closely attached to his mother and shares her distress over his father's drinking.
Chapter 5
Walter suffers a serious leg injury, and the family finds peace during his hospital stay.
Chapter 5
Paul accompanies his mother to Nottingham and secures a clerkship after a painful interview.
Chapter 6
A spring visit to Willey Farm brings Paul into contact with Miriam and her family.
Chapter 6
William brings Lily home and confides his doubts about marrying her to his mother.
Chapter 7
Paul and Miriam grow closer through nature, painting, and lessons, though his impatience troubles their bond.
Chapter 8
Arthur joins the army against his mother's wishes, and her attempt to secure his release fails.
Chapter 8
Paul wins two art prizes, and Miriam introduces him to Clara Dawes.
Chapter 9
Paul tells Miriam he can offer only friendship, while his attachment to his mother remains strongest.
Chapter 10
Paul wins an art prize, enters new social circles, and helps Clara return to Jordan's.
Chapter 11
Paul renews his courtship of Miriam, but physical intimacy deepens their difficulties and he ends the relationship.
Chapter 12
Paul begins a passionate relationship with Clara while his mother's poor health causes him anxiety.
Chapter 13
Paul clashes with Baxter Dawes over Clara, and Dawes later loses his job after attacking Thomas Jordan.
Chapter 14
Paul begins a troubled friendship with the hospitalized Baxter Dawes as his mother's cancer worsens.
Chapter 14
Exhausted by nursing, Paul and Annie agree to give their mother all her morphine pills in milk.
Chapter 15
After his mother's death, Paul lives apart from Walter, while Clara joins her husband in Sheffield.
Chapter 15
Paul's meeting with Miriam brings no renewed relationship, but he resists death and walks toward the town.
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