Persuasion and Poems by Jane Austen characters

Appears from the start

Sir Walter Elliot's middle daughter, twenty-seven years old, thoughtful and capable but little valued by her vain father and elder sister. She has lost much of her youthful brightness yet remains the most clear-sighted member of her household.

Appears from the start

The baronet of Kellynch Hall and father of Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary. He takes intense pride in rank and appearance, consults the family baronetage for pleasure, and resists any economy that might diminish his public dignity.

Appears from the start

Sir Walter's eldest daughter and favored companion, who has managed his household since her mother's death. Handsome and status-conscious like her father, she treats Anne's judgment as largely irrelevant.

Appears from the start

A close friend of Anne's late mother and a trusted adviser to the Elliot family. Sensible and affectionate toward Anne, she also places great weight on rank, prudence, and established social order.

Also known as Mrs Clay

First appears in chapter 2

The widowed daughter of the Elliot family's lawyer, Mr Shepherd. She makes herself useful and agreeable to Elizabeth and joins the Elliots' discussions while Anne distrusts her growing intimacy with Sir Walter.

First appears in chapter 3

A successful naval officer proposed as the tenant for Kellynch Hall when the Elliots must reduce their expenses. His wealth, respectability, and straightforward manner make him an unusually suitable applicant.

Also known as Mrs Croft

First appears in chapter 3

Admiral Croft's wife and the sister of Captain Frederick Wentworth. Her family connection gives the proposed letting of Kellynch Hall particular significance for Anne.

Also known as Captain Wentworth

First appears in chapter 4

A naval captain whom Anne loved and agreed to marry eight years earlier, when he had confidence but little money or rank. Persuaded that the match was imprudent, Anne ended the engagement. He has since returned from war successful and wealthy.

First appears in chapter 5

Anne's younger sister, married to Charles Musgrove and living at Uppercross Cottage. She is frequently convinced that she is ill or neglected and relies on Anne's patience whenever family life becomes uncomfortable.

First appears in chapter 5

Mary's good-natured husband and heir to Uppercross. Fond of sport and generally easygoing, he had once proposed to Anne before marrying her younger sister.

First appears in chapter 6

One of Charles Musgrove's lively unmarried sisters at the Great House. Warm, energetic, and eager for company, she is excited by the arrival of Captain Wentworth.

First appears in chapter 6

Louisa's sister, one of the cheerful and sociable young women of the Musgrove household. She warmly joins the family circle that welcomes Captain Wentworth to Uppercross.

First appears in chapter 11

Wentworth's naval friend, living modestly at Lyme while recovering from an injury. Hospitable and resourceful, he creates a warm home for his family and welcomes the Uppercross visitors into it.

First appears in chapter 11

A thoughtful young naval officer staying with the Harvilles after the death of the woman he was to marry, Captain Harville's sister. His grief and love of poetry give Anne an immediate subject for sympathetic conversation.

Also known as Mr Elliot

First appears in chapter 15

Sir Walter's cousin and heir, newly reconciled with the Elliot family after years of estrangement. Now a wealthy widower, he behaves with polished attentiveness in Bath and shows particular interest in Anne.

First appears in chapter 17

Anne's former school friend, now a poor widow in Bath with serious health difficulties. Despite her reduced circumstances, she remains perceptive, curious about others, and genuinely pleased to renew their friendship.