Miss Puddleton, or Puddle, is a governess brought in to prepare Stephen for Oxford. Puddle is a gentle woman who has a high education. Puddle teaches Stephen well, encouraging her incredible talent for writing. At the same time, Puddle becomes aware of Stephen's oddities. Puddle recognizes these oddities because she too suffers the same strangeness of personality. As Stephen struggles with her identity, however, Puddle finds it difficult to admit the truth to her because she is afraid of Lady Anna's reaction. As time goes on, Puddle remains Stephen's long term companion and encourages her to use her writing to improve the situation of all people like herself. Eventually Puddle goes to live at Morton with Lady Anna, giving Stephen the room she needs to find happiness in her life.