Introduction
Laoghaire MacKenzie is described as a highly malicious character in the Outlander series. She attempts to frame Claire for witchcraft and becomes violently incensed when she discovers that Brianna is her daughter.
Character Traits
Laoghaire is portrayed as a jealous and vindictive woman, forced to live in the past. As a young lady, she is seen as entitled, and as time progresses, her character only worsens. However, she does have some redeeming qualities. For instance, she takes responsibility for her role in Claire’s arrest and even plants an evil wish beneath Claire’s pillow as an act of protest.
Relationships
Laoghaire is the mother of Marsali MacKimmie Fraser, who later marries Fergus. Despite her bitter and vindictive behavior at times, Laoghaire remains a loving mother to Marsali. She also witnesses Brianna attempting to gain money from Jenny and Ian and seeing Brianna and Jamie’s marriage in Scotland.
Changing Appearance
Due to the time jump, Laoghaire’s appearance changes significantly in the later seasons. Despite her age, she looks very different when reappearing on the show.
Vengeful Nature
Outlander fans often view Laoghaire as an unpleasant and vindictive person. While this may be true, she can also be vengeful and possessive. She becomes even more spiteful and angry when she discovers that Brianna is not actually Jamie’s daughter.
Redeeming Qualities
As the story progresses, it is revealed that Laoghaire has some redeeming qualities. She exhibits maturity in dealing with difficult situations, such as having two violent husbands and raising daughters alone. She also shows humility when asking Claire to perform medical procedures on her son, Henri-Christian.
Motherhood
Despite her flaws, Laoghaire is an attentive mother to her daughters Marsali and Joan. She accepts Brianna into her home and provides her with food, warmth, and shelter when needed. However, she still harbors feelings for Jamie, even though he never truly loved her in return.
Friendship
Laoghaire has pale skin, dark hair, and an alluring beauty. She may be slightly overweight, but she can pull off various outfits effortlessly. She confesses her feelings for Jamie when he stands in her place during a public beating, but due to past trauma, she cannot reciprocate his feelings. She feels betrayed when Jamie’s attention shifts towards Marsali and Joan.
Reacting to Jamie’s Infidelity
When Laoghaire learns of Claire and Jamie’s infidelity and their subsequent affair, she initially feels furious. However, when she discovers that they have children together, she begins to soften and eventually blackmail Jamie into returning to America so that she can take care of Claire and Jamie’s child, Henri-Christian.
