The Power

The Power

by

Naomi Alderman

Barbara is Roxy’s stepmother and Bernie’s wife. Barbara dislikes Roxy because Bernie had an affair with Roxy’s mother, and she and Roxy’s mother became pregnant around the same time. But when Roxy avenges a crime that a few girls committed against Barbara’s son Ricky, Barbara recognizes that Roxy should be the inheritor of Bernie’s crime ring and gives her secret information about the business.
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Barbara Monke Character Timeline in The Power

The timeline below shows where the character Barbara Monke appears in The Power. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 8: Roxy
Power and Violence Theme Icon
...by giving them a dead arm, and second, by putting her hand in her stepmother Barbara’s pond and electrocuting all of the fish in it. Bernie is pleased. (full context)
Chapter 14: Roxy
Power and Violence Theme Icon
The narration flashes back to Terry’s funeral. Barbara, Terry’s mother, had sobbed. Roxy had taken more cocaine. Roxy realized that she’d gotten in... (full context)
Chapter 24: Roxy
Gender Reversals and Sexism Theme Icon
Roxy receives a message that her brother Ricky has been hurt. When she arrives at Barbara’s place, she finds Ricky with a blanket over his knees and bandages under that. Roxy’s... (full context)
Power and Violence Theme Icon
Roxy returns to the house. Barbara thanks her for what she’s done, even though Roxy knows she’s never liked Roxy. As... (full context)