Mary Maloney and Mathilde Loisel share several similarities in the short stories "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Necklace." Both characters are married women who experience significant challenges, attempt to overcome tragic circumstances, and take extreme risks. Mary Maloney must think quickly to avoid being arrested for murdering her husband, and Mathilde works for ten years to repay the cost of her friend's diamond necklace.

Both characters are also dishonest and practice deception. Mary Maloney conceals her role in her husband's death, while Malthide lies to Madame Forestier about losing her original necklace. Instead of telling the truth, Mary Maloney manipulates the police into eating the murder weapon, while Mathilde replaces Madame Forestier's necklace with an expensive replica. Both women are also dynamic characters whose struggles transform them. Mary transforms into a cunning woman after murdering her husband, while Mathilde changes into a hard-working individual in order to make ends meet.

Despite their similarities, Mary Maloney and Mathilde Loisel have many differences. Mary is depicted as a devoted, selfless housewife, who is pregnant with her first child and happy with her life. In contrast, Mathilde is a selfish, entitled woman, who dreams of living in luxury and is unhappily married. Mary's husband is a self-centered, insensitive man, who is willing to leave her when she needs him the most. In contrast, Mathilde's husband is a compassionate, selfless man, who tries his best to please her. Mary also commits murder and lies to the police, while Mathilde simply loses her friend's necklace.