Miss Matty Jenkyns is the closest that Cranford comes to having a protagonist. Although Mary Smith is the narrator and tells stories about all the people and events she witnesses in Cranford, all of the stories seem to either revolve around Miss Matty or at least heavily feature her. Miss Matty’s late sister, Miss Deborah Jenkyns, might have been the matriarch of Cranford, but Miss Matty is its heart. Unlike her domineering older sister, she is kind and timid, relying on the help of her friends, particularly Mary and Miss Pole, to help her following Deborah’s death. Deborah’s death shows that Miss Matty has never quite had a mind of her own, as she has always followed in Deborah’s footsteps. She continues to do so after her passing, refusing to forgo Deborah’s rules and procedures as if she fears Deborah will somehow know of her rebellion.

Miss Matty is adored in Cranford. Her kindness, gentleness, and compassion for others’ feelings make her one of Cranford’s most beloved residents, as is evident in the women’s unanimous decision to pitch in what little money they have to help Miss Matty following her financial trouble. Miss Matty holds herself together with as much dignity as she can following her financial downfall, showing that despite her timidness, she is much stronger and braver than one might have thought.