Mrs Lyons

Social Class

A wealthy upper-middle-class woman who embodies the theme of social division and economic privilege

Desperation

Her initial driving force fueled by loneliness and an inability to conceive children naturally

Manipulation

How she exploits Mrs Johnstone's financial vulnerability and religious faith to secure one of the twins

The Superstition

The fake curse she invents to keep Mrs Johnstone silent which ultimately becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy

Paranoia

Her defining psychological trait that intensifies as Edward grows older and she fears losing him

Overprotection

Her parenting style characterized by strict boundaries and an attempt to isolate Edward from working-class peers

Mental Decline

Her progression from a composed societal figure to a frantic woman who attempts a knife attack

Catalyst for Tragedy

Her final act of malice where she reveals Edward and Linda's affair to Mickey out of pure spit