Emma [Classic Tales Edition] characters

Appears from the start

A wealthy, clever young woman who manages her father's home at Hartfield and has rarely been contradicted. The marriage of her former governess, Miss Taylor, convinces Emma that she has a talent for arranging other people's happiness. Affectionate and energetic but overconfident in her judgment, she decides to find another match rather than consider marriage for herself.

Appears from the start

Emma's elderly father, a gentle and devoted man whose fear of illness, rich food, travel, and almost any change shapes life at Hartfield. He regrets Miss Taylor's marriage because it alters his comfortable routine, though he bears no ill will toward her husband.

Appears from the start

A close family friend and neighbor from Donwell Abbey. Sensible, observant, and willing to challenge Emma when others indulge her, he doubts her claim that she arranged Miss Taylor's marriage and warns against treating people's lives as a game.

Also known as Miss Taylor

Appears from the start

Emma's former governess and longtime companion, newly married to Mr. Weston. Warm, tactful, and accustomed to Emma's faults as well as her good qualities, she remains Emma's trusted confidante after moving from Hartfield to Randalls.

First appears in chapter 2

Mrs. Weston's cheerful new husband and the owner of Randalls. A sociable widower, he has a grown son from his first marriage who was brought up by wealthy relatives and has not yet visited his father's new home.

First appears in chapter 3

A pretty, friendly boarding pupil at Mrs. Goddard's school whose parentage is unknown. Emma is attracted by Harriet's admiration and pliable nature, takes her up as a companion, and begins trying to refine both her social circle and her romantic expectations.

First appears in chapter 3

The young clergyman of Highbury, polished and attentive in company. Emma decides that he would make a better husband for Harriet than the farmer Harriet already admires, and she interprets his interest in Emma's plans as encouragement for the match.

First appears in chapter 3

A good-hearted but incessantly talkative unmarried woman of limited means, living with her elderly mother. She is welcomed throughout Highbury because of her kindness and good humor, and she speaks proudly and often of her absent niece, Jane Fairfax.

First appears in chapter 4

A capable young tenant farmer at Abbey-Mill and a friend of Mr. Knightley. Harriet knows and admires his family, and he writes her a sincere proposal of marriage. Emma judges his social position too low for the future she imagines for Harriet.

First appears in chapter 11

Emma's affectionate elder sister, married to John Knightley and living in London with their children. Gentle and family-minded, she shares her father's anxious concern about health and is happiest when the Hartfield and Knightley households are together.

First appears in chapter 11

Mr. Knightley's younger brother and Isabella's husband. Intelligent, reserved, and strongly attached to domestic life, he visits Hartfield with his wife and children and has little patience for unnecessary social obligations.

First appears in chapter 20

Miss Bates's orphaned niece, recently returned to Highbury after being raised and educated with the Campbell family. Beautiful, highly accomplished, and reserved, she has little money and expects eventually to support herself as a governess. Emma respects her abilities but finds intimacy with her difficult.

First appears in chapter 23

Mr. Weston's son from his first marriage, raised as the heir of his wealthy aunt and uncle, the Churchills. His long-promised visit to Highbury has often been delayed, but when he finally arrives he is lively, charming, and eager to please his father's friends.

Also known as Augusta Elton

First appears in chapter 32

Mr. Elton's new wife, formerly Miss Hawkins of Bath. Confident, talkative, and impressed by wealth and social consequence, she quickly speaks to Emma with unwelcome familiarity and presents herself as an important addition to Highbury society.