Gladys Hungerton
Role
Malone's former love interest and the catalyst for his journey; she ultimately marries another man.
Dialogue
Defensive and unapologetic about her marriage.
Appearance
Proud, delicate profile, raven hair, large liquid eyes, full exquisite lips, and delicately bronzed skin. After her marriage, her expression is described as having a hard upward stare and a new set to the lips.
Background
Daughter of Mr. Hungerton; she married William Potts while Malone was in South America.
Identified
true
Motivations
To be associated with glory, though she ultimately settles for a mundane life with a solicitor's clerk.
Personality
Fickle, selfish, and superficial; she worships the idea of heroism but lacks the depth to remain faithful to a man who pursues it.
Competencies
Social grace and the ability to inspire others through her high expectations.
Plot Relevance
Her rejection of Malone's proposal drives him to seek out Professor Challenger's dangerous expedition.
First Appearance
The Chestnuts
Timeline
Rejecting Malone
Gladys refuses Malone's proposal, explaining her need for a man of great deeds.
A Professor's Indulgence
Gladys is indirectly honored when Professor Challenger permits Malone to name the plateau's central lake after her.
Immortalized in Ink
Gladys Hungerton becomes the namesake for the central lake of the plateau as Malone records her name on his official chart.
Marriage to Potts
While Malone is risking his life, Gladys marries William Potts, a solicitor's clerk.
The Final Confrontation
Gladys reveals her marriage to Malone and dismisses his devotion as not being 'very deep.'
Defining the Heroic Ideal
Gladys cites the explorer Stanley as the benchmark for the heroic husband she requires before she will consider marriage.
