Persuasion characters

Appears from the start

The overlooked middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, now twenty-seven. Intelligent, considerate, and capable, she has learned to put others' needs before her own. Eight years earlier, she ended an engagement to the penniless naval officer Frederick Wentworth after accepting Lady Russell's judgment that the match was imprudent; she still regrets the choice.

Appears from the start

Anne's vain, status-conscious father, a baronet devoted to his appearance and ancestry. His extravagant spending forces the family to let Kellynch Hall and move to Bath, though he resists describing the move as an economy.

Appears from the start

Sir Walter's eldest daughter and the mistress of Kellynch since her mother's death. Proud and socially exacting, she resembles her father and treats Anne as insignificant.

First appears in chapter 2

A close friend of Anne's late mother and a trusted adviser to the Elliot family. Sensible and affectionate toward Anne, she once urged Anne to reject Wentworth because his prospects appeared too uncertain.

First appears in chapter 2

The widowed daughter of the Elliots' agent, Mr Shepherd. She becomes Elizabeth's attentive companion, and Anne distrusts the influence her flattering manners give her over Sir Walter and Elizabeth.

First appears in chapter 3

A successful naval officer and the husband of Sophy Croft. He agrees to rent Kellynch Hall when the Elliot family's finances oblige them to leave it. His direct, unpretentious manner contrasts with Sir Walter's concern for rank.

Also known as Sophy Croft

First appears in chapter 3

Admiral Croft's capable, good-humored wife and Captain Wentworth's sister. She has accompanied her husband through much of his naval career and shares with him an easy, companionable marriage.

First appears in chapter 4

A naval captain who loved Anne eight years earlier. Then without money or connections, he was rejected after Lady Russell persuaded Anne that their engagement was unwise. He has returned from war wealthy and professionally successful, but still resentful of Anne's decision.

First appears in chapter 5

Anne's younger sister, married to Charles Musgrove and living at Uppercross. Often preoccupied with her health and quick to feel slighted, she depends on Anne to soothe household disputes and care for her children.

First appears in chapter 5

Mary's kind, sociable husband and the heir to Uppercross. He once proposed to Anne before marrying Mary and now occupies himself with family life, shooting, and local company.

First appears in chapter 5

Charles Musgrove's lively younger sister. Confident and warm, she enjoys Captain Wentworth's company and declares that she values decisiveness and firmness of character.

First appears in chapter 5

Louisa's sister, whose attention shifts between her cousin Charles Hayter and the newly arrived Captain Wentworth. Her uncertainty contributes to Anne's difficulty in judging Wentworth's intentions.

First appears in chapter 11

Wentworth's naval friend, living at Lyme with his family after being wounded in service. His open hospitality and strong friendships give Anne a view of the loyal naval circle Wentworth has formed.

First appears in chapter 11

A reserved young naval officer staying with the Harvilles at Lyme. He is mourning his fiancée, Captain Harville's sister, and finds consolation in poetry and music.

First appears in chapter 15

Sir Walter's estranged cousin and heir, a polished widower whom Anne first notices at Lyme and meets properly in Bath. His renewed attentions please Sir Walter and Elizabeth, while his courteous interest in Anne appears increasingly personal.

First appears in chapter 17

Anne's former school friend, now widowed, poor, and in ill health. Living modestly in Bath, she retains warmth and resilience, and Anne renews their friendship despite her family's disapproval of the connection.