Mr. Merriman Character Analysis in The Woman in White

Sir Percival Glyde’s lawyer. Mr. Merriman is involved in negotiating the marriage settlement between Sir Percival and Laura Fairlie, through Laura’s lawyer, Mr. Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore finds Mr. Merriman almost impossible to deal with because he such a stubbornly cheerful man and uses this façade to cover up his ruthless legal acumen. His name, “Merriman,” ironically reflects this aspect of his personality. He is also involved in searching for Anne Catherick when she escapes the asylum and in helping Sir Percival track down Walter Hartright to have him followed in London.

Mr. Merriman Character Timeline in The Woman in White

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Merriman appears in The Woman in White. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...in the unlikely event of her death. He posts the settlement to Sir Percival’s lawyer, Mr. Merriman , and it is sent back with the standard amendments and edits. However, one detail... (full context)

Class, Industry, and Social Place Theme Icon

...this reply—and is disgusted by Mr. Fairlie’s disregard for his niece’s wellbeing—when Sir Percival’s lawyer, Mr. Merriman , arrives at his office to discuss his client’s affairs with him. Mr. Gilmore is... (full context)

Mr. Merriman tells Mr. Gilmore that he regrets having to reject his clause but that there is... (full context)

Morality, Crime, and Punishment Theme Icon

Once they have agreed on this, Mr. Merriman changes the subject and asks Mr. Gilmore, seemingly in passing, if he has heard anything... (full context)

Mr. Gilmore realizes that he has made no headway with Mr. Merriman . He feels it is pointless to appeal to Mr. Fairlie again in writing and,... (full context)

...Mr. Gilmore angrily leaves Limmeridge House. A week later, he sends the marriage settlement to Mr. Merriman , Sir Percival’s lawyer, with the clause regarding the twenty thousand pounds still included. (full context)

...also hasn’t heard anything about Anne Catherick or Mrs. Clements, and even Sir Percival’s lawyer, Mr. Merriman , has given up the hunt for them. Mr. Gilmore, Laura and Marian’s lawyer, has... (full context)

...at lunchtime and demands to see Sir Percival. Count Fosco tells Marian that this is Mr. Merriman , Sir Percival’s lawyer, and Marian suspects that something important has happened. Before she has... (full context)

That evening, Marian continues her entry about Sir Percival’s unexpected meeting with his lawyer, Mr. Merriman . She went for a walk in the grounds that afternoon and, as she was... (full context)

...sister’s name in this context, Marian conceals herself outside the door to eavesdrop. She hears Mr. Merriman tell Sir Percival that, if Laura will not sign, then the creditors will accept bills... (full context)

...on the train. The man tells him that he has spoken to Sir Percival’s solicitor, Mr. Merriman , who was at the inquest, and heard that Sir Percival was totally ruined financially.... (full context)