Marjorie “Marge” Sherwood is Richard’s girlfriend, who is bothered by Tom’s presence in Richard’s life. In Ripley, Dakota Fanning plays Marge.
When Richard and Marge first meet Tom in Italy, Marge, unlike Richard, begins to suspect that Tom does not actually know Richard and may be lying to them.
Later, when Tom admits that he was sent by Richard’s father, her suspicions only grow stronger, proving that she is not as gullible as Richard.
Marge and Tom’s mutual dislike
As Tom becomes a permanent presence in Richard’s life, Marge finds herself neglected by Richard, who gives all his time and attention to Tom.
Marge starts to believe that Tom is interested in Richard romantically, which makes her jealous of their closeness.
The realization that she loves Richard more than he loves her makes her even more insecure about their relationship.
Marge knows that Tom is taking advantage of Richard, though it takes Richard longer to reach the same conclusion.
Similarly, Tom is jealous of Marge and Richard’s relationship. He observes Marge and Richard whenever Richard leaves him to visit Marge.
When Richard points out that Tom’s dislike towards Marge is obvious and that he has to make an effort to be kind to her, Tom decides to win Marge over.
Marge is a writer working on a photo book about her experiences in Atrani, and Tom helps her to gain her favor.
Although Tom’s insights are valuable, the good impression he makes on Marge does not last long because Richard receives a letter from his father revealing Tom’s lies.
Encouraged by Marge, Richard takes Tom to San Remo to ask him to leave Atrani, while planning to spend Christmas with Marge.
Marge and Richard’s breakup
When Tom tells Marge that Richard suddenly went to Rome because he wanted to be alone for a while, she has a hard time believing him, especially since Richard wanted to get rid of Tom.
To make her believe him, Tom writes her letters posing as Richard, claiming that he needs time to sort out his feelings and has chosen to live apart from her for a while.
Marge tries to find Richard but fails because Richard refuses to tell her where he is staying. Later, Richard becomes a murder suspect, but Marge never suspects him for a minute.
When Marge discovers that Richard sold his boat, she realizes he does not plan to return to Atrani and is likely ending their relationship. She travels to Rome to confront Richard but meets Tom instead.
Tom’s vague answers to her questions about Richard leave her angry and frustrated, leading her to believe that Richard is in love with Tom and is avoiding her.
Despite breaking up with Richard, Marge is suspected by Inspector Ravini of being Richard’s accomplice, as he thinks she lied about seeing Tom in Rome.
Upon learning that Tom is living in Venice, Marge decides to visit him. She stays at his villa and believes him when he tells her that his aunt left him an inheritance.
Marge plays a crucial role in the closing of Freddie’s murder case when she finds Richard’s ring at Tom’s house.
Instead of suspecting Tom of killing Richard, she believes Richard gave the ring to Tom because he had plans to take his own life.
Marge sets aside their past conflicts and bids farewell to Tom. She returns to Atrani, moves on with her life, and publishes her book, which she dedicates to Richard.
Also Read: Richard “Dickie” Greenleaf: Ripley character explained