Mansfield Park (Naxos Edition) characters

First appears in chapter 2

A quiet, observant girl sent at ten from her struggling Portsmouth family to live with wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. She arrives feeling inferior and out of place, yet possesses a firm moral sense beneath her shyness. Her affection for her brother William and her gratitude toward her cousin Edmund are central to her new life.

First appears in chapter 2

Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram's younger son. He is the first person at Mansfield to treat the homesick Fanny with sustained kindness, helping with her education and encouraging her to think for herself. He intends to enter the clergy and takes duty more seriously than his siblings do.

Appears from the start

The owner of Mansfield Park and head of the Bertram family. Formal, conscientious, and intimidating to Fanny, he agrees to bring his poor niece into the household while insisting that the difference between her position and his children's be maintained.

First appears in chapter 2

Fanny's aunt and the wife of Sir Thomas. Beautiful, languid, and accustomed to comfort, she spends much of her time on a sofa with her pug and readily leaves household decisions and exertion to other people.

Appears from the start

Fanny's other aunt, a clergyman's widow who lives near Mansfield. She first proposes taking one of the Price children into the family but arranges for the Bertrams to bear the expense. Energetic and interfering, she presents her self-interest as generosity and expects influence without responsibility.

First appears in chapter 2

The elder Bertram son and heir to Mansfield. Sociable and careless, he enjoys expensive pleasures and resents restraint, leaving Edmund to supply much of the steadiness that his position might otherwise require.

First appears in chapter 2

The elder Bertram daughter, raised to expect admiration and a prosperous marriage. Accomplished and proud of her social position, she is already treated as markedly above Fanny within the household.

First appears in chapter 2

The younger Bertram daughter, close to Maria in age and upbringing. She shares her sister's confidence and privileges and joins her in looking down on their timid cousin Fanny.

First appears in chapter 4

A lively young woman who comes to stay with her half-sister, Mrs Grant, at the Mansfield parsonage. Clever, charming, and used to fashionable society, she is drawn to Edmund even though his plan to become a clergyman conflicts with her worldly expectations.

First appears in chapter 4

Mary Crawford's brother, an engaging and confident visitor at the Mansfield parsonage. Independent and practiced at winning attention, he initially treats flirtation as amusement and becomes interested in both Maria and Julia despite Maria's engagement.

First appears in chapter 4

A wealthy but dull neighboring landowner engaged to Maria Bertram. His estate at Sotherton and large income make the match attractive to her family, though his conversation gives Maria little reason for affection.

First appears in chapter 13

A fashionable friend Tom brings to Mansfield. Enthusiastic about private theatricals, he has recently taken part in several productions and helps turn the younger party's vague wish to act into a determined plan.

First appears in chapter 24

Fanny's beloved older brother, now a naval midshipman. Their separation has not weakened their attachment, and his visit to Mansfield gives Fanny the companionship of the family member who knows her best.