SparkNotes: Persuasion: Analysis of Major Characters Analysis of Major Characters Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Anne Elliot Anne Elliot, the protagonist of Persuasion, is, like most Austen heroines, witty, clever, and considerate. Austen referred to her in one of her letters as "a heroine who is almost too good for me." Though Austen very frankly notes that the bloom of youth has left Anne, and that she is not the prettiest of the young ladies in the novel, Anne becomes most decidedly more attractive when her better qualities are noted. Anne is proud of her appearance, and she is deeply hurt after overhearing that Captain Wentworth thinks her appearance much changed for the worst. Unlike her father, Anne also takes pride in practicality, intellect, and patience. Anne is feminine while possessing none of what Austen clearly sees as the negative characteristics of her gender; Anne is neither catty, flighty, nor hysterical. On the contrary, she is level-headed in difficult situations and constant in her affections. Such qualities make her the desirable sister to marry; she is the first choice of Charles Musgrove, Captain Wentworth, and Mr. Elliot.

That Anne has her own mind is clear from the way she rebels against the vanity of her father and elder sister. But Anne is not one to avoid her responsibility and duty as a member of the upper class. She understands and respects the importance of making a "suitable" match, and is offended by the prospect of someone as low as Mrs. Clay entering into her family through marriage. She is conscious of the social structure in which her relations operate, and though she may seek a bit more flexibility, she by no means wishes to seriously challenge notions of class. In the end, Anne concludes that she is right to have been persuaded by Lady Russell, even if the advice itself was misguided. The conclusion implies that what might be considered Anne's flaw, her ability to be persuaded by others, is not really a flaw at all. It is left to the reader to agree or disagree with this. But overall, she must be highly regarded; for in her respect for duty and with an independent mind, Anne balances passion and practicality. Sir Walter Elliot Sir Walter acts as a foil to both Captain Wentworth and to Anne Elliot. As a vain, pretentious, and stubborn baronet, he maintains personal qualities that are abhorrent to Austen's protagonists.

Selfish and self-absorbed, he is unable to think past himself and his own immediate desires. Yet Sir Walter is not at all evil or ill-inclined; rather, he is comically ridiculous, a caricature of the old, titled class. Sir Walter allows Austen to poke fun at the declining aristocracy. With the rise of industry in Great Britain beginning in the late eighteenth century, old, titled families were forced to consider accepting the nouveau riche into their circle. Such industrial magnates and wealthy merchants who had made their fortunes trading with the colonies had large amounts of money, and could afford to challenge the importance of birth in social interaction. Sir Walter's strong attachment to the significance of birth appears antiquated in the new century of progress. Sir Walter is an impractical man; his habits of lavish spending and his strong desire to maintain appearances threaten the very future of the Elliot family. This is a grave character flaw, which Anne does not easily forgive. But his vanity is perhaps the defining character of Sir Walter.

With a dressing room surrounded by mirrors, a Baronetage book treasured for its description of the Elliot family, and a predilection to be seen only with attractive and socially important people, Sir Walter is the very image of conceit. Yet, Sir Walter's ridiculousness highlights the fact that his kind is no longer the preferred version of manliness. He is an effeminite man, one who would shy away from the sun for fear of a negative reaction of his complexion. In stark contrast is the gallant, brave naval officer, Captain Wentworth, a very different and more modern ideal of the British gentleman. Captain Frederick Wentworth Captain Wentworth is the prototype of the 'new gentleman.' Maintaining the good manners, consideration, and sensitivity of the older type, Wentworth adds the qualities of gallantry, independence, and bravery that come with being a well- respected Naval officer. He has made his own fortune through hard work and good sense, in direct contrast to Sir Walter who has only wasted the money that came to him through his title. Without land or high birth, Captain Wentworth is not the traditional match for a woman of Anne Eliot's position.

But in true Austenian fashion, his fine personal qualities are enough to surmount the now divide which separates his position from that of Anne. In the novel, Captain Wentworth develops, eventually overcoming his pride and shame at being once refused, in order to make another ardent overture to his chosen bride. This development is a sign of a promising future for their relationship. Like Admiral Croft, who allows his wife to drive the carriage alongside him and to help him steer, Captain Wentworth will defer to Anne throughout their marriage. Austen envisions this kind of equal partnership as the ideal marriage. SparkNotes: Persuasion: Character List Character List Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Anne Elliot - The novel's protagonist, Anne Elliot is the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, a landed baronet from a socially important family. Quiet and reserved, yet clever and practical, Anne sees the foolishness in her father's lavish spending. Because she is neither the most beautiful nor the most image-conscious of his daughters, Sir Walter often overlooks Anne, slights her, and dismisses her opinions. Though Anne seeks love, she is conscious of her duty to her position and the prudence of making a suitable match.

Seeking to please those around her, in her youth, she was persuaded from following her true desires. In contrast to both of her two sisters and to the other young female characters in the novel, Anne is level-headed, considerate of others, and humble. She balances duty and passion in a composed and respectful way. Read an in-depth analysis of Anne Elliot. Captain Frederick Wentworth - The object of Anne's affections, Captain Wentworth is a gallant Naval officer who, well-educated and well-mannered, has made his own fortunes by climbing the Naval ranks. He values constancy, practicality, and firmness of mind in women, characteristics that will make a good Navy wife. Though Captain Wentworth is almost universally liked and respected for his gentle nature and kind attentions to others, Sir Walter disdains him for his 'lower' birth. Read an in-depth analysis of Captain Frederick Wentworth. Sir Walter Elliot - The father of Anne Elliot, baronet, and owner of Kellynch Hall, Sir Walter is a caricature of the impractical titled upper classes. Extraordinarily vain, Sir Walter lines his dressing room with mirrors, and agrees to be seen in public only with attractive or well-born people.

Conscious of keeping up grand appearances, Sir Walter spends lavishly, and brings his family into debt. A poor judge of character, he is easily fooled by those who would take advantage of him. Read an in-depth analysis of Sir Walter Elliot. Elizabeth Elliot - The eldest daughter of Sir Walter and the older sister of Anne, Elizabeth Elliot is her father's favorite. Like her father, she is vain and primarily concerned with keeping up appearances and associating with important people. At the end of the novel, Elizabeth is the only one of the Elliot daughters to remain single, there being no one of adequate birth to suit her taste. Mr. William Elliot - Anne Elliot's cousin, and heir to Kellynch Hall, Mr. William Elliot is a smooth talker who everyone agrees is "perfectly what he ought to be." Only six months after the death of his first wife, and at the end of a marriage that was generally known to be unhappy, Mr. Elliot is searching for a new bride. Good- looking and well-mannered, Mr. Elliot talks his way back into the good graces of Sir Walter, yet Anne questions his true motives.

Mary Elliot Musgrove - The youngest Elliot sister, Mary is married to Charles Musgrove and has two small boys. She is high strung, often hysterical, and always aware of the imagined slights others have done to her. A rather inattentive mother, Mary focuses on social climbing. Charles Musgrove - Mary's husband, and heir to the great house at Uppercross, Charles is a relatively good-natured man who patiently endures his wife's trials. He would have preferred to marry Anne Elliot. Louisa Musgrove - Charles's younger sister, Louisa is young, accomplished, and headstrong. She falls easily in love and admires the Navy excessively. Henrietta Musgrove - Younger sister of Charles and older sister of Louisa, Henrietta is also young and fun-loving. Though she is not as decisive as Louisa, Henrietta sees the charms both of her cousin Charles Hayter and of the dashing Captain Wentworth. Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove - The parents of Charles, Henrietta, and Louisa, the Musgroves have provided a balanced, happy home for their children at Uppercross.

They are a landed family, second in rank in the parish only to the Elliots. They are practical, and want only happiness for their children. Charles Hayter - Cousin to the Musgroves (his mother is the sister of Mrs. Musgrove), the Hayter family is nevertheless enmeshed in a much lower social circle because of their 'inferior, retired, and unpolished way of living.' Charles Hayter, the eldest son, however, chose to be a scholar and a gentleman, and consequently has much more refined manners. He will one day inherit his family's land, and he hopes to court his cousin Henrietta and make her his wife. Captain Benwick - Once engaged to the Captain Harville's now-deceased sister, Fanny, Captain Benwick is a depressed naval officer who mourns the death of his lost love. He is a shy man and an ardent reader of poetry. When Anne meets him, he is on leave from his ship and he is living with Captain and Mrs. Harville. He seeks a young woman to help him get over Fanny, and his attentions turn, surprisingly, to Louisa Musgrove.

Lady Russell - The former best friend of Anne's deceased mother, Lady Russell is a woman of considerable birth and wealth who serves as advisor to the Elliot family. A practical woman, she is conscious of class interactions and finances. Anne is her favorite of the Elliot daughters and, though she means well, she sometimes gives Anne bad advice. Admiral and Mrs. Croft - The amiable couple that rents Kellynch Hall when Sir Walter can no longer afford to stay there. The Admiral is a decorated Naval officer and his devoted wife travels with him when he is at sea. The Crofts are one of the few examples of an older happily married couple in any of Austen's novels. Mrs. Clay - The daughter of Mr. Shepard (family advisor to Sir Walter), Mrs. Clay soon becomes the friend of Elizabeth Elliot. Though she is of much lower birth, freckled, and not so very attractive, Mrs. Clay is a well-mannered widow. Anne, however, sees danger in the way she endears herself to Sir Walter, and suspects she may seek to marry in a class far above her own. Mrs. Smith - The girlhood friend of Anne Elliot who is currently living in Bath, Mrs.

Smith has fallen on hard times. After her husband went into debt and left her a widow, Mrs. Smith was left with nothing. Now crippled by an illness, Mrs. Smith rekindles her former friendship with Anne and provides her with information that helps Anne learn more of Mr. Elliot. Mrs. Smith functions in the story to highlight Anne's high value on friendship and disregard for maintaining appearances at all cost. Lady Dalrymple and Miss Carteret - The Irish cousins of the Elliots, Lady Dalrymple and her ugly daughter, Miss Carteret, come to Bath. Though they are uninteresting and unclever, Sir Walter seeks their renewed acquaintance because of their high social position. Captain Harville and Mrs. Harville - Friends of Captain Wentworth, this couple resides in Lyme and kindly cares for Louisa after her fall. Jane Austen – Persuasion (Chap. 1) | Genius Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot's character; vanity of person and of situation. He had been remarkably handsome in his youth; and, at fifty-four, was still a very fine man.

Few women could think more of their personal appearance than he did, nor could the valet of any new made lord be more delighted with the place he held in society. He considered the blessing of beauty as inferior only to the blessing of a baronetcy; and the Sir Walter Elliot, who united these gifts, was the constant object of his warmest respect and devotion. His good looks and his rank had one fair claim on his attachment; since to them he must have owed a wife of very superior character to any thing deserved by his own. Lady Elliot had been an excellent woman, sensible and amiable; whose judgement and conduct, if they might be pardoned the youthful infatuation which made her Lady Elliot, had never required indulgence afterwards.

--She had humoured, or softened, or concealed his failings, and promoted his real respectability for seventeen years; and though not the very happiest being in the world herself, had found enough in her duties, her friends, and her children, to attach her to life, and make it no matter of indifference to her when she was called on to quit them.--Three girls, the two eldest sixteen and fourteen, was an awful legacy for a mother to bequeath, an awful charge rather, to confide to the authority and guidance of a conceited, silly father. She had, however, one very intimate friend, a sensible, deserving woman, who had been brought, by strong attachment to herself, to settle close by her, in the village of Kellynch; and on her kindness and advice, Lady Elliot mainly relied for the best help and maintenance of the good principles and instruction which she had been anxiously giving her daughters. This friend, and Sir Walter, did not marry, whatever might have been anticipated on that head by their acquaintance. Thirteen years had passed away since Lady Elliot's death, and they were still near neighbours and intimate friends, and one remained a widower, the other a widow.

That Lady Russell, of steady age and character, and extremely well provided for, should have no thought of a second marriage, needs no apology to the public, which is rather apt to be unreasonably discontented when a woman does marry again, than when she does not; but Sir Walter's continuing in singleness requires explanation. Be it known then, that Sir Walter, like a good father, (having met with one or two private disappointments in very unreasonable applications) , prided himself on remaining single for his dear daughters' sake. For one daughter, his eldest, he would really have given up any thing, which he had not been very much tempted to do. Elizabeth had succeeded, at sixteen, to all that was possible, of her mother's rights and consequence; and being very handsome, and very like himself, her influence had always been great, and they had gone on together most happily. His two other children were of very inferior value.

Mary had acquired a little artificial importance, by becoming Mrs Charles Musgrove; but Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real understanding, was nobody with either father or sister; her word had no weight, her convenience was always to give way--she was only Anne. To Lady Russell, indeed, she was a most dear and highly valued god-daughter, favourite, and friend. Lady Russell loved them all; but it was only in Anne that she could fancy the mother to revive again. Elizabeth did not quite equal her father in personal contentment. Thirteen years had seen her mistress of Kellynch Hall, presiding and directing with a self-possession and decision which could never have given the idea of her being younger than she was. For thirteen years had she been doing the honours, and laying down the domestic law at home, and leading the way to the chaise and four, and walking immediately after Lady Russell out of all the drawing-rooms and dining-rooms in the country.

Thirteen winters' revolving frosts had seen her opening every ball of credit which a scanty neighbourhood afforded, and thirteen springs shewn their blossoms, as she travelled up to London with her father, for a few weeks' annual enjoyment of the great world. She had the remembrance of all this, she had the consciousness of being nine-and-twenty to give her some regrets and some apprehensions; she was fully satisfied of being still quite as handsome as ever, but she felt her approach to the years of danger, and would have rejoiced to be certain of being properly solicited by baronet-blood within the next twelvemonth or two. Then might she again take up the book of books with as much enjoyment as in her early youth, but now she liked it not. Always to be presented with the date of her own birth and see no marriage follow but that of a youngest sister, made the book an evil; and more than once, when her father had left it open on the table near her, had she closed it, with averted eyes, and pushed it away. She had had a disappointment, moreover, which that book, and especially the history of her own family, must ever present the remembrance of.

The heir presumptive, the very William Walter Elliot, Esq., whose rights had been so generously supported by her father, had disappointed her. She had, while a very young girl, as soon as she had known him to be, in the event of her having no brother, the future baronet, meant to marry him, and her father had always meant that she should. He had not been known to them as a boy; but soon after Lady Elliot's death, Sir Walter had sought the acquaintance, and though his overtures had not been met with any warmth, he had persevered in seeking it, making allowance for the modest drawing-back of youth; and, in one of their spring excursions to London, when Elizabeth was in her first bloom, Mr Elliot had been forced into the introduction. He was at that time a very young man, just engaged in the study of the law; and Elizabeth found him extremely agreeable, and every plan in his favour was confirmed. He was invited to Kellynch Hall; he was talked of and expected all the rest of the year; but he never came.

The following spring he was seen again in town, found equally agreeable, again encouraged, invited, and expected, and again he did not come; and the next tidings were that he was married. Instead of pushing his fortune in the line marked out for the heir of the house of Elliot, he had purchased independence by uniting himself to a rich woman of inferior birth. Sir Walter has resented it. As the head of the house, he felt that he ought to have been consulted, especially after taking the young man so publicly by the hand; "For they must have been seen together," he observed, "once at Tattersall's, and twice in the lobby of the House of Commons." His disapprobation was expressed, but apparently very little regarded. Mr Elliot had attempted no apology, and shewn himself as unsolicitous of being longer noticed by the family, as Sir Walter considered him unworthy of it: all acquaintance between them had ceased.

This very awkward history of Mr Elliot was still, after an interval of several years, felt with anger by Elizabeth, who had liked the man for himself, and still more for being her father's heir, and whose strong family pride could see only in him a proper match for Sir Walter Elliot's eldest daughter. There was not a baronet from A to Z whom her feelings could have so willingly acknowledged as an equal. Yet so miserably had he conducted himself, that though she was at this present time (the summer of 1814) wearing black ribbons for his wife, she could not admit him to be worth thinking of again. The disgrace of his first marriage might, perhaps, as there was no reason to suppose it perpetuated by offspring, have been got over, had he not done worse; but he had, as by the accustomary intervention of kind friends, they had been informed, spoken most disrespectfully of them all, most slightingly and contemptuously of the very blood he belonged to, and the honours which were hereafter to be his own. This could not be pardoned.

Such were Elizabeth Elliot's sentiments and sensations; such the cares to alloy, the agitations to vary, the sameness and the elegance, the prosperity and the nothingness of her scene of life; such the feelings to give interest to a long, uneventful residence in one country circle, to fill the vacancies which there were no habits of utility abroad, no talents or accomplishments for home, to occupy. But now, another occupation and solicitude of mind was beginning to be added to these. Her father was growing distressed for money. She knew, that when he now took up the Baronetage, it was to drive the heavy bills of his tradespeople, and the unwelcome hints of Mr Shepherd, his agent, from his thoughts. The Kellynch property was good, but not equal to Sir Walter's apprehension of the state required in its possessor. While Lady Elliot lived, there had been method, moderation, and economy, which had just kept him within his income; but with her had died all such right-mindedness, and from that period he had been constantly exceeding it.

It had not been possible for him to spend less; he had done nothing but what Sir Walter Elliot was imperiously called on to do; but blameless as he was, he was not only growing dreadfully in debt, but was hearing of it so often, that it became vain to attempt concealing it longer, even partially, from his daughter. He had given her some hints of it the last spring in town; he had gone so far even as to say, "Can we retrench? Does it occur to you that there is any one article in which we can retrench?" and Elizabeth, to do her justice, had, in the first ardour of female alarm, set seriously to think what could be done, and had finally proposed these two branches of economy, to cut off some unnecessary charities, and to refrain from new furnishing the drawing-room; to which expedients she afterwards added the happy thought of their taking no present down to Anne, as had been the usual yearly custom. But these measures, however good in themselves, were insufficient for the real extent of the evil, the whole of which Sir Walter found himself obliged to confess to her soon afterwards. Elizabeth had nothing to propose of deeper efficacy.

She felt herself ill-used and unfortunate, as did her father; and they were neither of them able to devise any means of lessening their expenses without compromising their dignity, or relinquishing their comforts in a way not to be borne. There was only a small part of his estate that Sir Walter could dispose of; but had every acre been alienable, it would have made no difference. He had condescended to mortgage as far as he had the power, but he would never condescend to sell. No; he would never disgrace his name so far. The Kellynch estate should be transmitted whole and entire, as he had received it. Their two confidential friends, Mr Shepherd, who lived in the neighbouring market town, and Lady Russell, were called to advise them; and both father and daughter seemed to expect that something should be struck out by one or the other to remove their embarrassments and reduce their expenditure, without involving the loss of any indulgence of taste or pride. More on Genius About “Persuasion (Chap. 1)” Austen’s last completed novel concerns Anne Elliot who was engaged to a dashing young naval officer, Frederick Wentworth, however, due to the pressure from her family she broke off the engagement.

Meeting again eight years later, the novel tells of soul-searching, unrequited love, and the hope of a love later in life, as Anne has to witness the man she still loves pay his attentions to another. Austen finished the novel whilst she was dying, the result is the shortest of Austen’s novels and one of the least polished, but it can also be found to be the most poignant. Date: Published posthumously in December 1817. Title: Austen’s working title for the novel was The Elliots, however, her brother Henry named it Persuasion when he published the novel after her death. Style: Novel of manners. Persuasion Characters | GradeSaver Buy Study Guide Sir Walter Elliot The baronet of Kellynch and the father of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anne. Having lost his wife Lady Elizabeth thirteen years ago, Sir Walter remains a widower to this day. This fact plays a passive but important role in the novel, as Mrs. Clay ingratiates herself with the Elliots in hopes of winning Sir Walter over. The narrator states from the beginning that "vanity was the beginning and end of Sir Walter Elliot's character" (4).

This vanity is both of his person (the Crofts are surprised by the number of mirrors in his room) as well as of his rank (he generally does not deign to treat those below him in rank very well). Sir Walter's vanity even influences the way he treats his own daughters. He favors Elizabeth heavily because she has inherited both her mother's good looks and her father's sense of pride. He sees a great deal of himself in her and presents her proudly as an Elliot, whereas the same cannot be said of Anne and Mary. Lady Elizabeth Elliot At the time of the novel's opening, Lady Elliot has been dead for thirteen years. It appears that she had been a “excellent woman” and wife, both more sensible and more amiable than her husband (4). Elizabeth Elliot The eldest daughter of Sir Walter and Lady Elliot, born on June 1, 1785. Elizabeth resembles her parents closely in both looks and temperament: she is considered very beautiful and considers herself a proud Elliot. Following her mother's death thirteen years ago, she has supported Sir Walter as mistress of Kellynch Hall. As with Sir Walter, rank, consequence, propriety, and honor dominate her worldview.

Although the Elliots are a respectable family, Elizabeth demonstrates her strong desire for upward mobility when the Dalrymples come to Bath. Even though the Dalrymples are at best tolerable poeple, Elizabeth appears to derive immense satisfaction from associating with them. Anne Elliot The second daughter of Sir Walter and Lady Elizabeth, born on August 9, 1787. As heroine of the novel, Anne's perspective is closely associated with that of the narrator's. The critic Stuart M. Tave observes that "nobody hears Anne, nobody sees her, but it is she who is ever at the center. It is through her ears, eyes, and mind that we know most of what we know and that we care for what is happening" (Tave 11). Anne's perspective is sensible, fair and enlightened. Although she is proud to be an Elliot, she places far more value on character than in rank or wealth. At home with Sir Walter and Elizabeth, therefore, her "word had no weight" (5). At Uppercross, on the other hand, everyone treats her with confidence—indeed, too much confidence.

As the novel progresses, Anne demonstrates a strength of character that rivals that of, say, the courageous Captain Wentworth. In her own, gentle way, Anne is always willing to exert herself in order to help others. She draws Captain Benwick out of his melancholia and keeps Mrs. Smith company in difficult times. At crucial moments, she is always present. Although Anne sometimes intuits matters mistakenly, she is close to perfect — indeed, so much so that Jane Austen felt she was “almost too good" (Spacks x). Mary Elliot The youngest daughter of Sir Walter and Lady Elliot, born on November 20, 1791. Although Mary has inherited her share of the Elliot pride, she has neither Elizabeth's good looks nor Anne's fine sensibilities. In her father's mind, however, she has "acquired a little artificial importance by becoming Mrs. Charles Musgrove" (5). She lives with her husband and children at the Cottage in Uppercross — not far from the Great House, where the older Musgroves live with their children. Mary has occasional hypochondriac tendencies, perhaps due to a want of attention and a somewhat temperamental nature.

She can be very agreeable when in a good mood, but the converse is also true. She thus argues frequently with Charles Musgrove and Mrs. Musgrove. Fortunately, the Musgrove family accepts her temperament with good humor. William Walter Elliot A cousin of Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary's. Mr. Elliot is also the heir presumptive to the Elliot estate and title. Although he was expected to marry Elizabeth, he chose instead to marry a woman with considerable wealth. For this reason, he is estranged from Sir Walter and the rest of the Elliot family for many years. While the Elliots are at Bath, Mr. Elliot pays them many visits and makes up for the past. His perfectly agreeable manners and excellent sensibilities impress everyone, including Anne and Lady Russell. Ultimately, however, he is revealed to be a “a man without heart or conscience; a designing, wary, cold-blooded being, who. . . for his own interest or ease, would be guilty of any cruelty, or any treachery, that could be perpetrated without risk of his general character” (132). At the end of the novel, he is heard to have taken Mrs.

Clay "under his protection" in London (133). Much like Mrs. Clay, Mr. Elliot serves as an example of how fine manners often conceal the arrière pensée — ulterior motive — of upward mobility that so plagues the upper class. Lady Russell A widow of "steady age and character, and extremely well provided for" who lives in Kellynch (4). She is one of the Elliots' most highly valued family friends and has fulfilled her role as godmother after Lady Elliot's death. Although she loves all of the Elliot girls, she is particularly fond of Anne and continues to serve as adviser and friend on a daily basis. Lady Russell's influence on Anne is a positive one, since she possesses a discerning mind and fine, understanding character. Occasionally, however, she places too much emphasis on such values as rank, family, and propriety. She plays an critical role in the plots of the novel, as it is she who advised Anne against marrying Captain Wentworth seven years ago. Mr. Shepherd A friend of the Elliot family, Mr. Shepherd is a "civil, cautious lawyer" who prefers to say only agreeable things (8).

He helps the Elliots decide to leave Kellynch temporarily and is instrumental in finding an appropriate tenant (the Crofts). Mrs. Clay A daughter of Mr. Shepherd's who has returned home after an unsuccessful marriage, bringing with her two children. She exceeds at the art of pleasing at Kellynch Hall and is thought well of by both Sir Walter and Elizabeth. Although no one describes her as beautiful — she has a projecting tooth and freckles — both Lady Russell and Anne fear that she will ingratiate herself with the Elliots to the extent that an intimacy develops with Sir Walter. Ultimately, Mrs. Clay reveals her true identity as a fortune-seeker by establishing herself "under [the] protection" of Mr. Elliot in London (166-67). Mr. Musgrove The father of Charles, Henrietta, and Louisa Musgrove, he and his wife are described as a "very good sort of people, friendly and hospitable, not much educated, and not at all elegant"(28). Mrs.

Musgrove The mother of Charles, Henrietta, and Louisa Musgrove, she and her husband are described as a "very good sort of people, friendly and hospitable, not much educated, and not at all elegant" (28). Charles Musgrove Very much like his parents, he is an agreeable young man whose strength is more simplicity than elegance. He enjoys hunting and would rather spend an evening at the theater than at a party. Although he argues frequently with his wife Mary, he is still portrayed as an essentially good husband. Henrietta Musgrove A young lady of nineteen, just returned from school at Exeter, she is like "thousands of other young ladies, living to be fashionable, happy, and merry" (28). Like Louisa, she has every advantage of looks and character but does not possess a highly cultivated mind. At times, she can be flippant and unsure of herself. Louisa Musgrove A year older than Henrietta, she resembles her sister in that she has just returned from school at Exeter and is like "thousands of other young ladies, living to be fashionable, happy, and merry" (28).

Although it is thought initially that she will marry Captain Wentworth, fortune brings her together with Captain Benwick. This match subdues her character considerably and instills in her a newfound appreciation of poetry. Richard Musgrove A Musgrove son who died young. According to the narrator, “the Musgroves had had the ill fortune of a very troublesome, hopeless son; and the good fortune to lose him before he reach[ed] his twentieth year” (34). His sole importance in the narrative lies in the fact that he once served under Captain Frederick Wentworth. Admiral Croft The rear admiral of the white in the British navy. He is an accomplished and honorable man whom Sir Walter deems "the best-looking sailor he ha[s] ever met" and worthy of renting Kellynch Hall (22). Admiral Croft possesses a warm, unaffected, and hearty character. Mrs. Croft The wife of Admiral Croft and sister of Edward and Frederick Wentworth. Mrs. Croft is portrayed as an extremely kind and agreeable woman. Edward Wentworth The brother of Mrs. Croft and Captain Frederick Wentworth who formerly served as curate of Monkford, near Kellynch.

Frederick Wentworth A captain and brother of Mrs. Croft's. Seven years ago, the captain was engaged to Anne. When Lady Russell persuaded Anne to break off her engagement with him because he had neither title nor fortune, the captain left for sea. After seven years, Captain Wentworth has made his fortune and returned to Kellynch a rich man. He is also good-looking, smart, sensible, and cultivated, making him the most eligible bachelor at Uppercross. The critic Stuart M. Tave also points out justly that “[Captain Wentworth] is a perceptive man, but at his first appearance in the novel he has the closed, foolish mind that only a clever man can have” (Tave 13). He has, in fact, his share of faults: he acts without enough consideration with regards to Louisa and Henrietta, and his pride prevents him from approaching Anne earlier. But such faults do not detract from his character. On the contrary, they make him more human and his ultimate reunion with Anne more satisfying. Charles Hayter A somewhat awkward but agreeable cousin of the Musgroves who resides at Winthrop.

He is a clergyman who often visits Uppercross in hopes of winning Henrietta over. Although Mary deems his small income unworthy of Henrietta, Charles Musgrove finds him promising and states that he has liked Charles Hayter "all [his] life" (145). Miss Hayters Anne Elliot | The Jane Austen Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Portrayer Sally Hawkins in Persuasion (2007 TV movie) Anne Wentworth (née Elliot) is the protagonist of Persuasion . She is the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliot , a baronet; and the late Lady Elliot . Anne was born August 9th in 1787. She has two other sisters, one older, Elizabeth ; and one younger, Mary Musgrove . She is her father's least favorite child, since he does not think her of very much beauty or consequence, and thus not likely to marry high enough to bring pride to the Elliot family [2] . She is, however, the favorite of her late mother's best friend, Lady Russell . Anne is also Lady Russell's goddaughter.

Contents Edit In 1806, Frederick Wentworth , a naval captain, took up residence at Monkford estate, the house of which his brother was curate. Anne developed a strong affection for him, and he for her. He was brilliant and she absolutely adored his sense of humor and his wit. Her father, however, did not approve, and even saw the connection as degrading due to his lack of fortune and lower status in the world. Sir Walter developed a dislike for his middle daughter because he thought she was overlooking her duty to the family. Even Lady Russell, who favored Anne over the other Elliot sisters, took Sir Walter's side in this instance. If it were only her father who protested the match, Anne would've gone through with it; but she harbored a deep love for her godmother and she took their advice in breaking it off with Wentworth. The captain was deeply hurt and felt ill-used, and he left Monkford for the navy again. He left his mark on Anne though, who lost her beauty due to heartbreak, and she never replaced him with another man [3] .

Father's debts Edit Sir Walter fell into a lot of debt due to overspending, as there was no Lady Elliot to bring him back from his lack of frugality. Mr. Shepherd , her father's lawyer and adviser, told him that he should remove the family from Kellynch. Sir Walter originally wished to go to London , but Shepherd and Lady Russell feared that he would resort to overspending in the sumptuous city and convinced him to go to Bath instead [4] . In the meantime, the Elliots put Kellynch up for rent. The Crofts decided to take it, much to Anne's dismay, as Mrs. Croft is Captain Wentworth's sister [5] . She soon learned that Captain Wentworth was to stay with his sister and brother-in-law at Kellynch while she stayed with her younger sister and her husband's family at Uppercross , which was unsettling for her [5] . Wentworth's return Edit Anne was nervous to see Captain Wentworth, who, after reuniting with Anne, told Henrietta Musgrove that Anne was so altered in appearance that he wouldn't have known her.

Mary Musgrove said this was ungallant, and at first Anne was dismayed, but then the words sobered her nerves and agitation and made her happier [6] . They were later thrown into quite a few dinners and events together, but things remained awkward. They said so few things to each other, beyond what was required of basic civility. This kind of shocked Anne, who remembered a time when it would be difficult to get them to stop speaking to each other [7] . In the subsequent days, Wentworth spent a lot of time at Uppercross , where he received undying interest and admiration from Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove , not to mention the Miss Hayters. This was painful for Anne, since he only treated her with cold civility and talked more with the Miss Musgroves and the Miss Hayters. It was clear that he did not share her regard for him [7] . Anne spent those days observing who would be best for Wentworth, and who he would choose for a wife. She knew that Henrietta was the prettier of the two, but that Louisa had a certain vitality that might attract him.

She was distressed that she did not know his preferences as she had used to [8] . Mary thought it would be capital if Wentworth was made a baronet for his heroics and then he would be "Sir Frederick" and Henrietta "Lady Wentworth". Mary also wanted Henrietta to be the one he was interested in to end Charles Hayter's suit, as she had inherited her father's snobbery [8] . Stay in Bath Edit Anne went to Bath with Lady Russell to stay with her father and sister in their fashionable rented house on Camden-place . Her father and sister regaled her with news of William Elliot , her father's formerly wayward heir who wanted to make amends. Mr. Elliot had been introducing them to the cream of Bath society, which Sir Walter and Elizabeth appreciated. It was also hinted that William might have lingering feelings for Elizabeth, a notion that Mrs. Clay encouraged [9] . Anne started to notice that Mrs. Clay was worming her way into Sir Walter's affections, but was relieved to see that Sir Walter did not love the woman [10] . Anne started a friendship with her distant cousin, the heir, who made himself very agreeable.

She was pleased that they could have good conversation, which she valued over anything. She did not like Lady Dalrymple , another relation. However, the lady was a dowager viscountess which made her instantly likable to her father and sister, both of whom were obsessed with status [10] . While her family continued to call at the dowager's rental home on Laura-place , Anne visited Mrs. Smith , her old governess [11] . Anne heard in a letter from Mary that Louisa Musgrove had turned her favor from Wentworth to Captain Benwick . Anne was a bit happy about this because it leaves Wentworth single [12] . She ran into Wentworth in Bath and he offered himself as an escort in the rain, as he had an umbrella [13] . He was also invited to the concert hosted by Lady Dalrymple . She became alerted to William Elliot's growing affection for her, which made her very uncomfortable. Later, she learned how horrible William was from Mrs. Smith , who told her all about how the man ruined and impoverished her late husband [14] .

After Anne decided to refuse William Elliot if he asked for her hand, Wentworth gave her a love letter personally and entreated her to read it [15] . She rekindled her love and affection with Wentworth, and this time he was successful when he asked her father for her hand in marriage. They even helped Mrs. Smith regain her lost lands in the West Indies [16] . Personality and traits Edit Anne is described to have an elegance of mind and sweetness of character that reminded her godmother, Lady Russell, of the late Lady Elliot. To Lady Russell, Anne was her favorite of the Elliot girls [2] . Previously, Anne had been a very pretty girl, but her bloom had vanished early. This made her the least favorite daughter of Sir Walter's, who placed quite an emphasis on appearances due to his own vanity [2] . Anne is also more sensible than her sisters and father, especially when it came to finances and her father's debt [4] . Relationships Main article: Frederick Wentworth Anne and Frederick had a whirlwind romance in 1806. When she broke it off, he was angered with her. He left his mark on her, and she never moved her affections to anyone else.

She also lost a lot of her beauty and vivaciousness due to heartbreak. In 1813, the pair met again, but he was disappointed in what he saw. She thought it was awkward to see him again. In 1814, when they both met in Bath, he rekindled his affections for her. She was still in love with him at this point, but she fell even more so when she read his love letter [15] . William Elliot Main article: William Elliot Like most of her family, she was taken in by William Elliot when he came to reconcile with them in Bath, although she was slightly suspicious of his interest in them at first, since before he showed the opposite of interest in any of them. She was gratified to find that he was an excellent conversationalist, well-educated, and that he shared his views on quite a few things that annoyed her, including Mrs. Clay, whom she suspected was going after her father. Even though he showed interest in her while he still had her regard, she didn't return it. When she finally heard of his dastardly past from Mrs. Smith , she believed the woman, and chose to cut William from her acquaintance. Mrs.

Smith Main article: Mrs. Smith The woman was her governess during a very hard time of her life after her mother died. Mrs. Smith brought Anne's happiness back and helped her get over her melancholy and misery. This made it so Mrs. Smith could never be forgotten or ignored, even when the woman was poor. Anne made sure to visit her while in Bath, renewing their friendship. Mrs. Smith shared what she knew of the people in Bath and was even the woman who alerted Anne of William Elliot's dastardly past and even more dastardly intentions for the future. Sir Walter and Lady Elliot Main article: Elizabeth Stevenson Elliot She and her father do not get along, mostly due to her past involving Captain Wentworth in 1806. She is her father's least favorite daughter, and he even favors non-family members over her. Not even he can deny, though, that she is sensible, even if he does dislike her. Lady Elliot died when Anne was 13, and it broke her heart. She was thrown into melancholy and sadness until Mrs. Smith was kind to her and befriended her.

After Lady Elliot's death, Lady Russell became somewhat of a mother to her, as she was Anne's godmother. Lady Russell Main article: Lady Russell Since her mother's death, Lady Russell has become a surrogate mother of sorts for Anne. As the lady is extremely well-read and well-educated, she nurtured Anne's education and intelligence. She wants the best for Anne, which is why she did not like the idea of Anne marrying a man with no fortune nor breeding. What she wants most for Anne is someone who is well-educated and who will nurture intelligence in Anne as a future wife. Siblings

Question: In which Jane Austin novel are the characters Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth?
Answer: Persuasion