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A character in The Well of Loneliness

Who is Angela Crosby?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 Oct 2026

In short

  • Angela Crosby is Stephen Gordon's first real love in The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall.
  • She is a married woman living near Morton who welcomes Stephen's attention but fears risking her social position.
  • Her charm and Stephen's wholehearted devotion conceal a difference in what each woman is willing to give.

Who Angela Crosby is

Angela Crosby is the wife of an American businessman who comes to live near Morton. She is beautiful, restless and fond of attention, and Stephen falls deeply in love with her. Angela enjoys being adored, but her willingness to accept devotion does not match Stephen's hopes.

What Angela Crosby wants

Bored in her marriage, Angela welcomes the excitement of Stephen's affection without wanting to risk her position in society. She flirts, accepts gifts and lets Stephen believe that her love is returned. Her caution stands against Stephen's wish for an honest love that asks for wholehearted loyalty.

Angela Crosby and the others in the story

For Stephen, this relationship means risking feelings that already leave her vulnerable in an unwelcoming world. Angela offers charm and closeness, but she cannot return the love Stephen gives her. Their bond brings hope and doubt together, showing the distance between enjoying someone's devotion and sharing its demands.

Questions

Who is Angela Crosby?

Angela Crosby is a married woman near Morton and the first woman Stephen Gordon truly falls in love with.

Does Angela Crosby love Stephen Gordon?

Angela lets Stephen think her feelings are returned, but she does not offer the same wholehearted love. She enjoys Stephen's devotion while protecting her own social position.

Is Angela Crosby selfish?

Yes, the novel presents Angela as selfish beneath her easy charm. She accepts Stephen's affection and gifts without matching Stephen's honesty and loyalty.

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