Emma · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Emma by Jane Austen.
Emma Woodhouse
major
Also known as Emma, Miss Woodhouse, Hartfield, Dear Emma, dearest Emma
The protagonist, a wealthy and imaginative young woman who meddles in others' love lives.
Harriet Smith
major
Also known as Miss Smith, Harriet, poor Harriet, Dear Harriet
A pretty young friend of Emma, of unknown parentage, whom Emma tries to matchmake.
Mr. Knightley
major
Also known as Mr. Knightley, George Knightley
Emma's brother-in-law and neighbor, who often criticizes her but cares deeply for her.
Jane Fairfax
major
Also known as Jane, Miss Fairfax, Fairfax
An orphaned young woman of great talent and reserve, secretly engaged to Frank Churchill.
Frank Churchill
major
Also known as Frank, Churchill, Mr. Frank Churchill
Mr. Weston's son, a charming but secretive young man who visits Highbury.
Mr. Elton
supporting
Also known as Elton, Poor Mr. Elton, Mr. Elton
The vicar of Highbury, who proposes to Emma and later marries Augusta Hawkins.
Mrs. Elton
supporting
Also known as Augusta Hawkins, Miss Hawkins, A Miss Hawkins of Bath
Mr. Elton's brash and self-important new wife from Bath.
Mr. Weston
supporting
Also known as Weston, Mr. Weston
A widower who marries Miss Taylor; Frank Churchill's father.
Mrs. Weston
supporting
Also known as Miss Taylor, Taylor, Dear Mrs. Weston
Emma's former governess who marries Mr. Weston and remains a close friend.
Mr. Woodhouse
supporting
Also known as Woodhouse, poor Mr. Woodhouse
Emma's elderly, hypochondriac father who dislikes change and marriage.
Miss Bates
supporting
Also known as Miss Bates, Bates, Poor Miss Bates
A talkative, kind-hearted spinster who lives with her mother in Highbury.
Mr. John Knightley
supporting
Also known as John Knightley, John, Mrs. John Knightley
Mr. Knightley's younger brother and Isabella's husband, a lawyer in London.
Isabella Knightley
supporting
Also known as Isabella, Bella, poor Isabella
Emma's elder sister, married to John Knightley, doting mother of many children.
Robert Martin
supporting
Also known as Mr. Martin, Robert, the Mr. Martin, young Martin
A respectable farmer who proposes to Harriet Smith.
Mrs. Churchill
minor
Also known as poor Mrs. Churchill, The great Mrs. Churchill
Frank Churchill's wealthy, domineering aunt who controls his life.
Mr. Perry
minor
Also known as Perry, Poor Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Perry
The local apothecary who advises Mr. Woodhouse on health matters.
Mrs. Bates
minor
Also known as poor Mrs. Bates, the Bates, Bates
Miss Bates's elderly, deaf mother, a widow living in reduced circumstances.
Mrs. Goddard
minor
Also known as Mrs. Goddard
The mistress of a boarding school where Harriet Smith was a pupil.
Mr. Cole
minor
Also known as Cole, Mr. Cole
A prosperous tradesman in Highbury who hosts social gatherings.
Mrs. Cole
minor
Also known as Mrs. Cole, Cole
Mr. Cole's sociable wife who enjoys entertaining Highbury society.
Colonel Campbell
minor
Also known as Colonel, Colonel Campbell
Jane Fairfax's benefactor, a retired army officer living abroad.
Mrs. Campbell
minor
Also known as Mrs. Campbell
Colonel Campbell's wife, who treats Jane Fairfax like a daughter.
Mr. Dixon
minor
Also known as Dixon, Mr. Dixon
A wealthy Irish gentleman who marries Miss Campbell.
Mrs. Dixon
minor
Also known as Miss Campbell, Mrs. Dixon
Colonel Campbell's daughter, who marries Mr. Dixon and lives in Ireland.
William Larkins
minor
Also known as William, William Larkins
Mr. Knightley's steward who manages the Donwell Abbey estate.
Henry Knightley
minor
Also known as Henry, Little Henry, dear little Henry
John and Isabella Knightley's eldest son, a favorite of Emma.
Mrs. Martin
minor
Also known as Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Robert Martin
Robert Martin's mother, a respectable farmer's widow.
Miss Nash
minor
Also known as Miss Nash
A teacher at Mrs. Goddard's school, friend of Harriet Smith.
James
minor
Also known as James, Mrs. James Cooper
The Woodhouse family's coachman.
Mr. Wingfield
minor
Also known as Mr. Wingfield, a Mr. Wingfield
A physician consulted by the Woodhouse family.
Hannah
minor
Also known as Hannah
A servant in the Woodhouse household.
Patty
minor
Also known as Patty
A servant at the Bates household.
Elizabeth Martin
minor
Also known as Elizabeth, Elizabeth Martin
Robert Martin's sister, a friend of Harriet Smith.
Mrs. Stokes
minor
Also known as Mrs. Stokes, Good Mrs. Stokes
A neighbor in Highbury mentioned in passing.
Miss Bickerton
minor
Also known as Miss Bickerton
A young lady at Mrs. Goddard's school, acquaintance of Harriet.
Mrs. Partridge
minor
Also known as Mrs. Partridge, Clara Partridge
A woman mentioned in Highbury gossip.
Mrs. Bragge
minor
Also known as Mrs. Bragge
A wealthy woman in Highbury, mother of many children.
Mr. Suckling
minor
Also known as Mr. Suckling, old Mr. Suckling
Mrs. Elton's brother-in-law, owner of Maple Grove.
Mrs. Hodges
minor
Also known as Mrs. Hodges
Housekeeper at Donwell Abbey.
Mr. Cox
minor
Also known as Mr. Cox, Mr. William Cox, young Cox
A lawyer in Highbury, father of several daughters.
Anna Weston
minor
Also known as Anna Weston
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Weston.
