A Vindication of the Rights of Woman · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft.
Mary Wollstonecraft
major
Also known as Unknown, mine, myself
The author and narrator, arguing for women's rights and education.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
supporting
Also known as Rousseau, J. J. Rousseau, himself
Philosopher whose views on women's education are critiqued throughout.
Dr. John Gregory
minor
Also known as Dr. Gregory, The amiable Dr. Gregory
Author of advice literature for women, criticized for promoting weakness.
John Milton
minor
Also known as Milton
Poet whose portrayal of Eve is analyzed in the argument for equality.
Sophia
minor
Also known as Sophia, yourself, your
Fictional ideal woman from Rousseau's Emile, used as a counterexample.
Madame de Genlis
minor
Also known as Madame Genlis
French writer and educator, referenced for her progressive views.
Sir Isaac Newton
minor
Also known as Sir, Newton, Sir Isaac Newton, your
Scientist mentioned as an example of intellectual achievement.
Dr. James Fordyce
minor
Also known as Dr. Fordyce, himself
Clergyman and author of sermons on female conduct, criticized.
Emile
minor
Also known as Emilius
Fictional pupil in Rousseau's Emile, representing male education.
Thérèse Levasseur
minor
Also known as Theresa, hers
Rousseau's companion, mentioned in critique of his personal life.
Louis XIV
minor
Also known as Louis XIV
French king cited as an example of arbitrary power.
Catharine Macaulay
minor
Also known as Mrs. Macaulay, Catharine Macaulay, hers
Historian and feminist whose work is praised by Wollstonecraft.
Lord Chesterfield
minor
Also known as Lord Chesterfield
Aristocrat and writer of letters, criticized for his views on women.
Mamma
minor
Also known as mamma
Generic maternal figure used in hypothetical examples.
Adam
minor
Also known as Adam
Biblical first man, referenced in discussions of original equality.
Eve
minor
Also known as Eve
Biblical first woman, used to illustrate arguments about female nature.
Alexander Pope
minor
Also known as For Pope, Pope
Poet whose lines on women are quoted and critiqued.
Samuel Johnson
minor
Also known as Dr. Johnson, Johnson
Lexicographer and writer, cited for his opinions on women.
Hester Thrale Piozzi
minor
Also known as Mrs. Piozzi
Writer and friend of Johnson, mentioned in passing.
Germaine de Staël
minor
Also known as The Baroness de Stael
French intellectual and writer, referenced as a model of learning.
Lucretia
minor
Also known as Lucretia
Roman noblewoman, example of virtue in historical anecdote.
Being
minor
Also known as Being
Abstract philosophical term personified in argument.
