Emma Study Guide

Character List

Emma Woodhouse

"Handsome, clever and rich," Emma is a twenty-one year old daughter of a wealthy gentleman accustomed to "having her own way" and cursed with a "disposition to think a little too well of herself." Although a meddler who demonstrates a maddening self-confidence, Emma is generally well intentioned. The novel is essentially a story of how Emma matures from a clever young woman to a more modest and considerate woman, able to accept the idea of love.

Mr. George Knightly

A sensible man of thirty-seven, his brother had married Emma's elder sister, Isabella. Courteous, noble, sincere and intelligent, he is a paragon for behavior, yet not afraid to correct Emma for her mistakes. He marries Emma at the end of the novel.

Harriet Smith

A short, plump and fair girl of seventeen, she is of somewhat dubious origins. Emma is mostly responsible for bringing Harriet into Highbury society and constantly instructs and advises her, although not always to her benefit. Emma fills her with a pretension that is inappropriate for her status. In the end, she marries Mr. Martin, a farmer that Emma considers too coarse but is more appropriate in status for Harriet.

Frank Churchill

The son of Mr. Weston, he was brought up by his uncles, the Churchills, who could better support him at the time. Highbury society eagerly anticipates his visit to his newly married father, but he consistently delays. Frank Churchill is somewhat shallow, more interested in pursuing pleasure than any concrete pursuits, but he is also handsome and charming enough to attract Emma. He is secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax, but cannot reveal this because the aunt who raised him would strenuously object.

Jane Fairfax

An orphan, the only child of Mrs. Bates' youngest daughter. Upon her mother's death, she was taken in by Colonel Campbell, who served with her father in the army. The same age is Emma, she is equally talented, charming and well-regarded, a fact that quite vexes Emma. She is secretly engaged to Frank Churchill.

Mrs. Elton (Miss Augusta Hawkins)

The daughter of a Bristol merchant who marries Mr. Elton. Her status in society rests only on the fact that her sister married very well, and her behavior when she arrives at Highbury is presumptuous, arrogant and rude. She refuses to treat others with the proper respect they are accorded, including even Mr. Knightly.

Mr. Woodhouse

Emma's father is a wealthy man possessed of a large estate, Highbury. Isolated in his estate, Mr. Woodhouse has few enjoyments. Although he dotes on Emma, he also indulges her more selfish tendencies and is largely unpleasant. His complaints and lack of activity make him appear a much older man than he actually is.

Mrs. Anne Weston (Miss Taylor)

Emma's governess who essentially raised Emma after her mother died, at the beginning of the book she marries Mr. Weston, a somewhat older gentleman. Mrs. Weston is an exemplar for Emma, modest and self-possessed where Emma tends to be vain.

Mr. Weston

The older man that Miss Taylor marries, Mr. Weston had been married much earlier. From this marriage he had a son, Frank Churchill, whom he sent away to be raised by his late wife's relatives who at the time could better provide for him. He is from a respectable family that has been progressively moving up in society, and amassed a modest fortune.

Miss Bates

The daughter of Mrs. Bates, she was neither young, married, handsome or rich. She is a pitiable character with the worst predicament. She lacks all distinguishing traits such as intellect or cleverness, yet she was mostly happy and treated others with great goodwill.

Mr. Philip Elton

Vicar of the church in Highbury whom Emma chooses as a possible suitor for Harriet Smith but who only has interest for Emma herself. After Emma quickly rejects him, he marries the pretentious and rude Augusta Hawkins.

Mrs. Bates

The widow of a former vicar of Highbury and a very old lady. She was considered a harmless old lady and participated in Highbury society, if largely ignored. She is the grandmother of Jane Fairfax and the mother of Miss Bates.

Mrs. Isabella Knightly

Emma's elder sister, a pretty, elegant woman of amiable disposition. She is delicate and pales in comparison to the more sharp-witted Emma.

Mr. John Knightly

A tall, gentleman-like, clever man, respectable and reserved. Emma dislikes him somewhat for his severity and lack of patience.

Mrs. Goddard

The mistress of a Boarding school where girls might be sent to receive a little education. Her school was in high repute. One of her former students is Harriet Smith, who now assists Mrs. Goddard.