The main character in Mistress Masham's Repose is Maria. The last surviving member of a rather notorious English noble family, Maria is reduced to a state of poverty. She is a finely drawn character complete with an adventurous spirit, great curiosity, and a natural intelligence. She is not, however, a perfect person, for in her early treatment of the Lilliputians, she is selfish, bossy, and very demanding. But a basic streak of decency and fair play runs deeply through Maria's character, and this, along with the wisdom of her friend, the Professor, saves her from her own worst qualities. But perhaps the most significant aspect of Maria's character is her loneliness. Even her initial mistreatment of the Lilliputians can, in large measure, be explained by her intense desire for companionship. Having no parents and only the company of her hateful guardians, the Professor, and...