Lady Susan characters

Appears from the start

A recently widowed woman of great beauty, intelligence, and social confidence. With her finances unsettled and rumors gathering around her conduct at Langford, she invites herself to stay with her brother-in-law at Churchill. Her private letters reveal a calculating observer who enjoys controlling both admirers and opponents.

Appears from the start

Lady Susan's brother-in-law and the owner of Churchill. Kind, hospitable, and disposed to think well of his relations, he welcomes Lady Susan despite her earlier attempts to prevent his marriage.

First appears in chapter 5

A married London friend who receives Lady Susan's candid letters and helps her manage private meetings and social strategy. Their correspondence is far less guarded than Lady Susan's communications with her family.

Also known as Mrs. Vernon

First appears in chapter 6

Charles Vernon's wife and Lady Susan's wary hostess at Churchill. She has reason to distrust her sister-in-law and reports the visit to her mother with careful attention to Lady Susan's words and behavior.

First appears in chapter 6

Catherine Vernon's younger brother, an intelligent and independent young man who arrives at Churchill already prejudiced against Lady Susan by reports of her conduct. He is confident that her charm will not alter his judgment.

First appears in chapter 7

Lady Susan's sixteen-year-old daughter, shy, unhappy, and frightened of displeasing her mother. After being kept away at school, she becomes central to a dispute over the marriage Lady Susan intends for her.

First appears in chapter 16

A wealthy but foolish young baronet whom Lady Susan considers an excellent husband for Frederica. He is confident that the match is settled and shows little understanding of Frederica's fear and refusal.

First appears in chapter 2

A married man whose attachment to Lady Susan contributed to her abrupt departure from Langford. His wife had trusted Lady Susan as a friend, making the relationship a source of scandal as well as private danger.