Which character is Leslie Knope's mother?

Leslie Knope’s mother is Marlene Griggs-Knope.

Played by Pamela Reed, Marlene is a prominent political figure in Pawnee’s school system. She is shrewd, ambitious, and much more willing than Leslie to use questionable tactics to achieve political goals. Leslie admires her mother’s effectiveness while also trying to prove that she can succeed according to her own idealistic standards.

Marlene appears early in the series, including the episodes “Canvassing” and “The Banquet.” She attends Leslie’s public forum, advises her on political maneuvering, and later meets Ben Wyatt. Leslie hopes her mother will be impressed by Ben, but the meeting becomes awkward when Marlene develops an attraction to him.

Although Marlene is not frequently seen after the early seasons, the character remains part of Leslie’s family background. In the final season, she is mentioned as a grandmother helping care for Leslie and Ben’s triplets. The other listed choices are characters connected to Leslie’s wider world, not her parent: Ethel Beavers is a court reporter, Diane Lewis is connected to Ron Swanson, and Tammy Swanson is Ron’s ex-wife.