# Persuasion — Character guide

> Key figures in Persuasion by Jane Austen.

- [Anne Elliot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/anne_elliot.md): The protagonist, a thoughtful and gentle woman who reconnects with a former love.
- [Captain Frederick Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/captain_wentworth.md): A naval officer and Anne's former fiancé, now wealthy and seeking a wife.
- [Sir Walter Elliot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/sir_walter_elliot.md): Anne's vain and spendthrift father, obsessed with rank and appearance.
- [Elizabeth Elliot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/elizabeth_elliot.md): Anne's older sister, proud and self-centered, who manages the household.
- [Mary Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mary_musgrove.md): Anne's younger sister, hypochondriac and self-absorbed, married to Charles Musgrove.
- [Lady Russell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/lady_russell.md): Anne's godmother and trusted friend, who advised against her engagement to Wentworth.
- [Charles Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/charles_musgrove.md): Mary's husband, a good-natured country gentleman and father of two boys.
- [Louisa Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/louisa_musgrove.md): A lively and headstrong young woman who catches Wentworth's attention.
- [Henrietta Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/henrietta_musgrove.md): Louisa's older sister, gentle and in love with Charles Hayter.
- [Captain Benwick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/captain_benwick.md): A melancholy naval officer mourning his fiancée, who later finds new love.
- [Admiral Croft](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/admiral_croft.md): A kind naval officer who rents Kellynch Hall from Sir Walter.
- [Mrs. Croft](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_croft.md): Wentworth's sister, a sensible and cheerful woman who travels with her husband.
- [Mrs. Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_smith.md): Anne's former schoolmate, now a poor widow living in Bath.
- [Mr. Elliot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mr_elliot.md): Sir Walter's heir, a charming but calculating man who pursues Anne.
- [Mrs. Clay](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_clay.md): A scheming widow who ingratiates herself with Sir Walter and Elizabeth.
- [Captain Harville](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/captain_harville.md): A naval officer and friend of Wentworth, living in Lyme with his family.
- [Mrs. Harville](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_harville.md): Captain Harville's wife, a kind and hospitable woman.
- [Mr. Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mr_musgrove.md): The father of Charles, Henrietta, and Louisa, a wealthy landowner.
- [Mrs. Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_musgrove.md): The mother of the Musgrove children, kind and sentimental.
- [Charles Hayter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/charles_hayter.md): A clergyman and cousin to the Musgroves, in love with Henrietta.
- [Lady Dalrymple](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/lady_dalrymple.md): A wealthy and titled relative of the Elliots, courted by Sir Walter.
- [Mr. Shepherd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mr_shepherd.md): Sir Walter's lawyer and agent, who arranges the lease of Kellynch.
- [Colonel Wallis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/colonel_wallis.md): A friend of Mr. Elliot in Bath, part of the social circle.
- [Mrs. Wallis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_wallis.md): Colonel Wallis's wife, known for her beauty and social grace.
- [Nurse Rooke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/nurse_rooke.md): A nurse who attends Mrs. Smith and shares gossip from Bath society.
- [Dick Musgrove](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/dick_musgrove.md): The deceased son of Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove, briefly served under Wentworth.
- [Dr. Shirley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/dr_shirley.md): The elderly clergyman of Uppercross, whose living Charles Hayter hopes to inherit.
- [Mrs. Shirley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/mrs_shirley.md): Dr. Shirley's wife, who is in poor health.
- [Miss Carteret](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/miss_carteret.md): Lady Dalrymple's daughter, part of the high society in Bath.
- [Sir Basil Morley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/sir_basil_morley.md): A baronet mentioned as a potential suitor for Elizabeth.
- [Admiral Baldwin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/admiral_baldwin.md): A naval acquaintance mentioned in passing.
- [Penelope](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/penelope.md): A friend of Mrs. Smith, mentioned in her backstory.
- [Miss Atkinson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/miss_atkinson.md): A friend of the Musgrove sisters, mentioned briefly.
- [James Benwick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/james_benwick.md): Captain Benwick's full name, used in formal contexts.
- [Fanny](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/poor_fanny.md): A deceased friend of Mrs. Smith, mentioned in her story.
- [Edward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/edward.md): A servant or minor acquaintance, mentioned briefly.
- [Jemima](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/jemima.md): A servant at Uppercross, mentioned in passing.
- [Sophia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/sophia.md): Mrs. Croft's first name, used by her brother Wentworth.
- [Sir Archibald Drew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/old_sir_archibald_drew.md): An elderly baronet mentioned in a letter from Mr. Elliot.
- [Miss Hamilton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters/miss_hamilton.md): Mrs. Smith's maiden name, used in backstory.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/persuasion_se/characters