Characterization of Hariett Fresbie

Harriet Fresbie is a member of the New York high society. She used to be a friend

of Mrs. Lidcote before her exile in Europe. She sticks to the moral code of the “old”

New York and stopped all contact to Mrs. Lidcote. It contrast to Mary Giles, she does

not visit Mrs. Lidcote during the dinner party, although she knows about her

presence. Therefore one can assume that she is convinced of the “old” New York

traditions and does not share the more liberal thinking that starts to come to the

mind of other high society members, such as Charlotte Wynn or, in parts, Mary Giles.