The landlady of the brownstone building on East 83rd Street where Arthur stays while he is in New York.
Personality[]
Marie is a no-nonsense woman, getting right to the point during conversations. She is also rules-oriented, as evidenced by her many house rules and strict schedule. She is critical of those who show impatience and values truthfulness and punctuality.[1] She also values family and would do anything for hers. Marie is also very religious, evidenced by her attending church twice a week. There used to be a cross hanging on the wall above the head of the bed in Arthur's rented room, the cross having left behind an impression on the wood.
Description[]
Marie is an old woman, and walking up and down stairs leaves her winded.[1] Nothing is known about her physical appearance.
History[]
It is unknown how long Marie has lived in the house on East 83rd Street, but she's aware of the entity living in the house, who refers to himself as Mr. Scratch. Her late husband, Albert, was possessed by Mr. Scratch, and was attempting to hurt people.[2] She tied him to the bed in her attic, and at some point, drove a knife through his chest and killed him, enlisting a local clergyman, Oscar, to help her with the body.[3] Marie has a sister, Hattie, who was possessed by Mr. Scratch following Albert's death, but was better at fighting him off than Albert was.[2]
At some point prior to Part Thirty, Marie posted an ad in the newspaper looking for a tenant. Arthur calls in response to the ad, giving his name as Parker and explaining that he has "business" to take care of in the city. Marie is suspicious of Arthur's tone and can tell that he is lying, but seems to soften when Arthur explains that he's planning to visit his father-in-law while he's in the city. She requests four dollars a week for rent in advance, which Arthur gives her.
Prior to Part Thirty One, Marie kept Hattie tied up in a bedroom on the second floor of her house and would bring her food periodically.[1] The conditions in the room were unsanitary, with old dishes and molding food left out and a bed that hadn't been cleaned in some time.[2] After Arthur is manipulated into untying Hattie, she, controlled by Mr. Scratch, escapes the house. Marie contacts Oscar to help look for her.
After Arthur describes some of his history as a private investigator, Marie asks for his help in looking for Hattie, though she is unaware of Arthur's role in Hattie's escape. Marie expresses a great deal of concern for her sister and the people she might hurt. She describes Hattie's condition as a "sickness" and does not elaborate on the nature of Mr. Scratch.[2]
After Hattie is returned safely, Marie confides in Arthur. She had a son named Frederick who died in World War 1. She says her son used to tell her to be more friendly, and she feels she was too hard on him. She gifts Arthur a locket containing portraits of her husband and son, and asks Arthur to write her.[4]
Known Abilities[]
- No known abilities
Trivia[]
- Marie's schedule is as follows:
- 7am - Leaves the house, for church on weekends and for various errands and visits during the week.
- 12pm - Returns to the house for lunch
- 1pm - Makes tea, which she offers to do for Arthur
- Afternoon - Reads in the sitting room, for which she invites Arthur to join her
- 6pm - Returns to her bedroom
- 8pm - Goes to sleep
- Harlan has explained on his TikTok how he records and edits Marie's voice.