Northanger Abbey characters

Appears from the start

A seventeen-year-old from a large, affectionate country family. Catherine has little of the accomplishment or polish expected of a conventional heroine, but she is candid, good-natured, and eager for experience when the Allens invite her to Bath.

Appears from the start

Catherine's practical and warm-hearted mother, occupied with raising ten children at the Morlands' comfortable country home. She has allowed Catherine to grow up without forcing her into the pattern of a fashionable young lady.

Appears from the start

A prosperous neighbour of the Morlands who owns property near Fullerton. His household's invitation gives Catherine her first opportunity to spend a season in Bath.

First appears in chapter 2

Mr Allen's friendly wife and Catherine's companion in Bath. She is kindly but preoccupied with clothes, and her limited conversation and social connections leave Catherine to find much of her own amusement.

First appears in chapter 3

A witty, observant young clergyman whom Catherine meets at a Bath assembly. He treats social conventions with playful irony, talks easily with Catherine, and leaves her hoping to see him again.

First appears in chapter 4

Mrs Thorpe's eldest daughter and Catherine's enthusiastic new friend in Bath. Isabella is socially confident, affectionate in manner, and shares Catherine's excitement about Gothic novels.

First appears in chapter 4

An old school acquaintance of Mrs Allen and the widowed mother of Isabella and her siblings. She is proud of her children and delighted to renew a connection that brings the two families together in Bath.

First appears in chapter 6

Catherine's older brother, an Oxford student and a friend of John Thorpe. His arrival in Bath links Catherine's family with the Thorpes and shows his particular attachment to Isabella.

First appears in chapter 6

Isabella's brother and James Morland's university friend. Loudly self-assured, he boasts about horses, carriages, drinking, and his own judgment while assuming that Catherine welcomes his attention.

First appears in chapter 8

Henry Tilney's gracious younger sister. Quieter than the Thorpes and more direct in her kindness, she becomes someone Catherine sincerely wishes to know.

First appears in chapter 10

Henry and Eleanor's imposing father, a wealthy widower and the owner of Northanger Abbey. He is attentive and courteous to Catherine in Bath and takes a marked interest in her connection with his children.

Also known as Captain Tilney

First appears in chapter 16

Henry and Eleanor's older brother, an army officer who joins the family in Bath. Polished and confident, he quickly directs his attention toward Isabella despite her announced engagement to James Morland.