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Illustrated portrait of Margaret Dauncey

A character in The Magician

Margaret Dauncey

A young artist whose unexplained fascination with Haddo makes desire, agency, and coercion impossible to separate neatly.

What they want

To understand and act on the force drawing her toward Haddo, even as that force isolates her from the life she had chosen.

The book

Cover of The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham
The MagicianW. Somerset Maugham, 1908

A rational surgeon confronts an occultist who turns fascination, coercion, and forbidden experiment into Gothic terror.

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At a glance

Occupation
Artist and student in Paris
Connections
Arthur’s fiancée; later Haddo’s wife
Central question
Whether fascination can still count as free choice under coercion

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Margaret is studying art in Paris and initially appears secure in her love for Arthur. Her intelligence and independence make her sudden change toward Haddo more troubling, not less.

The novel does not offer a simple account of her choice. Hypnotic influence, fear, fascination, and attraction overlap, leaving her both a person with desires and a target of domination.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • Young Paris art studentHer practical studio dress reflects serious artistic work rather than society ornament.
  • Intelligent expressionShe is not portrayed as merely passive or naïve.
  • Increasing reserveHer inner life becomes harder for friends to read after meeting Haddo.
  • Divided agencyChoice and coercion remain deliberately entangled.
  • Independent trainingHer life in Paris already extends beyond marriage and domestic expectation.
  • Unsettled attentionHer changing focus makes fascination visible before anyone can explain it.
What happens to Margaret DaunceyHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

Margaret leaves Arthur, marries Haddo, and dies under mysterious circumstances before Arthur can rescue her.

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