Sense & Sensibility characters

Appears from the start

The eldest Dashwood daughter, nineteen years old, whose calm judgment and self-command help her family through uncertainty. Elinor feels deeply but generally considers the needs and feelings of others before revealing her own.

Appears from the start

The seventeen-year-old second Dashwood daughter. Marianne is intelligent, musical, and openly emotional, valuing intense feeling and sincerity while distrusting restraint that seems cold or conventional.

Appears from the start

The widowed mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Affectionate and romantic in outlook, she resembles Marianne in her readiness to act on hope and feeling.

Appears from the start

The young half-brother of the Dashwood sisters, who inherits Norland. He promises his dying father to assist his stepmother and half-sisters but is easily led by his wife and inclined to call limited generosity sufficient.

Appears from the start

John Dashwood's wealthy, calculating wife and Edward Ferrars's elder sister. Fanny resents the continued presence of her husband's stepfamily at Norland and discourages him from giving them meaningful financial help.

First appears in chapter 3

Fanny Dashwood's quiet and courteous brother. Unlike his status-conscious family, Edward has modest ambitions and easy manners. His growing friendship with Elinor gives both households reason to suspect an attachment.

First appears in chapter 6

Mrs Dashwood's hospitable cousin and the owner of Barton Park. Sir John finds cottages for the Dashwoods on his Devonshire estate and is determined to fill their social life with dinners, visitors, and entertainments.

First appears in chapter 7

Sir John's mother-in-law, a cheerful widow who enjoys company, gossip, and guessing at romantic attachments. Her teasing often ignores the embarrassment of the people concerned, but her manner is generous and well-meaning.

First appears in chapter 7

A reserved friend of Sir John, about thirty-five years old. Colonel Brandon listens attentively to Marianne's music and appears to admire her, though she regards his age and quiet manner as incompatible with romance.

First appears in chapter 9

A handsome, energetic young man who carries Marianne home after she falls and injures her ankle. He shares her enthusiasm for music, poetry, and spirited conversation, quickly appearing to be the ideal companion she has imagined.

First appears in chapter 21

A young relation of Mrs Jennings who visits Barton with her elder sister. Lucy is socially polished, watchful, and eager to form a confidential friendship with Elinor despite their short acquaintance.

Also known as Nancy Steele

First appears in chapter 21

Lucy's talkative elder sister, a visitor at Barton Park. Anne is less discreet than Lucy and readily shares gossip and private information when given an audience.

First appears in chapter 20

Sir John's fashionable and sharp-tongued son-in-law. Mr Palmer responds to his wife's exuberance and the sociability around him with sarcasm and apparent indifference.

First appears in chapter 34

Edward and Fanny's wealthy mother, whose approval controls the Ferrars family fortune. Proud and intimidating, she expects Edward to pursue a distinguished career and marry according to her ambitions.

First appears in chapter 33

Edward's younger brother, a fashionable and self-satisfied man chiefly interested in society and appearances. He has become the kind of polished public figure their mother once hoped Edward would be.