Miss Jessel — The Turn of the Screw Character Profile

About Miss Jessel

The mysterious woman in black, identified by the governess as the previous governess at Bly. She appears alongside Peter Quint, seemingly targeting the children. Her presence is only perceived by the governess, fueling her paranoia and protective instincts.

Character Facts

Played by

Laurinda Barrett

Appears in

The Turn of the Screw (1959)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (3)

• Miss Jessel — Conflict Haunter — Governess (Ingrid Bergman)

  Antagonistic supernatural relationship where the former governess's ghost appears to corrupt the children.

• Miss Jessel — Professional Former Colleague — Mrs. Grose (Isobel Elsom)

  Previous workplace connection where Miss Jessel held the governess position before the current protagonist.

• Miss Jessel — Conflict Corruptor — Flora (Alexandra Wager)

  Hostile dynamic where the former governess's spirit is perceived as a malevolent influence on the girl.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Turn of the Screw

More characters from The Turn of the Screw

• Governess (Ingrid Bergman)
• Mrs. Grose (Isobel Elsom)
• Miles (Hayward Morse)
• Flora (Alexandra Wager)
• Peter Quint (Paul Stevens)