"Sense and Sensibility" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Elinor Dashwood

As the eldest Dashwood sister, Elinor serves as the voice of reason and practicality throughout the novel. She is portrayed as a model of sense and self-control, providing a stark contrast to her younger sister, Marianne.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne, the second Dashwood sister, embodies sensibility and romanticism. Her passionate and emotional nature leads her to experience the highs and lows of love and loss.

Edward Ferrars

Edward Ferrars is Elinor's love interest, characterized by his reserved and honorable demeanor. His engagement to another woman creates a complex romantic entanglement in the story.

Colonel Brandon

Colonel Brandon is a mature and kind-hearted gentleman who becomes romantically involved with Marianne. He serves as a stabilizing force in her tumultuous life.

John Willoughby

Willoughby is presented as a charming but ultimately deceitful character who becomes romantically entangled with Marianne, causing her great distress.

Mrs. Dashwood

As the mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, Mrs. Dashwood provides guidance and support to her daughters as they navigate the challenges of love and society.

Mrs. Jennings

Mrs. Jennings is a lively and gossipy character who takes an interest in the romantic pursuits of the Dashwood sisters. Despite her nosy nature, she is ultimately well-meaning.

Lucy Steele

Lucy Steele is a cunning and manipulative character who becomes entangled in a secret engagement with Edward Ferrars, causing turmoil for Elinor.

Sir John Middleton

Sir John Middleton is a friendly and hospitable neighbor of the Dashwood family, providing a supportive presence in their lives.

Margaret Dashwood

Margaret, the youngest Dashwood sister, is depicted as lively and curious, often observing the events unfolding around her with youthful enthusiasm.

Character Descriptions

Elinor Dashwood

Elinor is characterized by her composure, intelligence, and unwavering sense of responsibility. She often suppresses her own emotions for the sake of others and serves as a pillar of strength for her family.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne is depicted as vibrant, emotional, and deeply passionate. Her expressive nature and romantic ideals often lead her into intense emotional experiences and profound despair.

Edward Ferrars

Edward is portrayed as reserved, kind-hearted, and honorable, with a strong sense of duty. His internal conflict and sense of obligation create tension in his romantic relationships.

Colonel Brandon

Colonel Brandon is presented as mature, caring, and quietly devoted. His steadfast nature and genuine affection make him a compelling figure in the story.

John Willoughby

Willoughby is charming, charismatic, and ultimately self-centered. His impulsive actions and lack of moral integrity lead to significant consequences for those around him.

Mrs. Dashwood

Mrs. Dashwood is depicted as warm, supportive, and dedicated to the well-being of her daughters. Her guidance and understanding provide a source of comfort in the face of adversity.

Mrs. Jennings

Mrs. Jennings is portrayed as boisterous, inquisitive, and good-natured. Her lively presence adds humor and liveliness to the narrative.

Lucy Steele

Lucy Steele is cunning, manipulative, and self-serving. Her deceptive actions and calculated decisions have far-reaching effects on the characters around her.

Sir John Middleton

Sir John Middleton is depicted as affable, generous, and hospitable. His genuine kindness and jovial nature create a sense of community and support for the Dashwood family.

Margaret Dashwood

Margaret is portrayed as youthful, curious, and observant. Her spirited nature adds a touch of innocence and optimism to the story.

Character Traits

Elinor Dashwood

• Composed
• Intelligent
• Responsible
• Selfless

Marianne Dashwood

• Emotional
• Passionate
• Romantic
• Idealistic

Edward Ferrars

• Reserved
• Honorable
• Dutiful
• Conflicted

Colonel Brandon

• Caring
• Devoted
• Mature
• Steadfast

John Willoughby

• Charming
• Self-centered
• Impulsive
• Deceitful

Mrs. Dashwood

• Supportive
• Dedicated
• Understanding
• Maternal

Mrs. Jennings

• Boisterous
• Inquisitive
• Good-natured
• Lively

Lucy Steele

• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Deceptive
• Self-serving

Sir John Middleton

• Affable
• Generous
• Hospitable
• Jovial

Margaret Dashwood

• Youthful
• Curious
• Spirited
• Observant

Character Background

Elinor Dashwood

Elinor's background is one of genteel poverty, as she and her family are forced to leave their home and rely on the support of relatives. Despite these challenges, Elinor remains steadfast and responsible, shouldering the burden of her family's well-being.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne's upbringing reflects the emotional and artistic influences of her mother and the romantic ideals of her own nature. Her passionate disposition shapes her views on love and inspires her expressive and impulsive behavior.

Edward Ferrars

Edward's background is one of privilege and expectation, as he is bound by the societal pressures of his class. His internal conflict arises from his sense of duty and his desire for genuine connection and happiness.

Colonel Brandon

Colonel Brandon's background is characterized by military service, honorable conduct, and a sense of duty. His experiences have shaped him into a reliable and caring figure, capable of deep affection and understanding.

John Willoughby

Willoughby's background is marked by wealth, charm, and a carefree lifestyle. His impulsive actions and disregard for societal norms reflect his upbringing and the influence of his indulgent nature.

Mrs. Dashwood

Mrs. Dashwood's background is one of love, loss, and resilience. Her experiences as a wife and mother have instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a dedicated commitment to her daughters' happiness.

Mrs. Jennings

Mrs. Jennings' background is one of social connections, lively engagements, and a keen interest in the romantic affairs of those around her. Her experiences have made her an enthusiastic and well-meaning participant in the lives of others.

Lucy Steele

Lucy's background is marked by ambition, cunning, and a desire for social advancement. Her calculated decisions and deceptive actions stem from her determination to secure a prosperous future for herself.

Sir John Middleton

Sir John's background is one of affluence, hospitality, and genuine goodwill. His experiences have fostered a spirit of generosity and community, shaping him into a supportive and amiable neighbor.

Margaret Dashwood

Margaret's background is one of youthful innocence, curiosity, and a keen awareness of the events unfolding around her. Her experiences as the youngest Dashwood sister have given her a spirited and observant outlook on life.

Character Arcs

Elinor Dashwood

Elinor's character arc revolves around her journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience, and the navigation of societal expectations. Her ability to balance her own desires with the needs of her family becomes a central theme in her personal development.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne's character arc is defined by her emotional growth, the consequences of romantic disillusionment, and the reevaluation of her idealistic views on love. Her transformation leads her to a deeper understanding of herself and the complexities of human emotions.

Edward Ferrars

Edward's character arc focuses on his internal conflict, the consequences of societal constraints, and the pursuit of personal authenticity. His journey involves overcoming the pressures of class and duty to pursue genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Colonel Brandon

Colonel Brandon's character arc centers on his steadfast devotion, the expression of genuine affection, and the ability to provide stability and support to those he cares for. His growth is marked by a deepening connection with Marianne and a demonstration of unwavering loyalty.

John Willoughby

Willoughby's character arc is defined by his recklessness, the repercussions of his deceitful actions, and the eventual realization of the consequences of his behavior. His journey leads to introspection and an understanding of the impact of his choices on others.

Lucy Steele

Lucy's character arc revolves around her manipulative nature, the pursuit of personal gain, and the eventual exposure of her deceptive actions. Her journey involves facing the repercussions of her calculated decisions and the loss of control over her carefully constructed facade.

Relationships

Elinor and Marianne Dashwood

The relationship between Elinor and Marianne is characterized by mutual support, contrasting personalities, and a deep sisterly bond. Their dynamic reflects the interplay between sense and sensibility, providing a thematic contrast within the narrative.

Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars

Elinor's relationship with Edward is marked by emotional restraint, loyalty, and the challenges posed by societal expectations. Their connection becomes a focal point for exploring the complexities of love and personal sacrifice.

Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon

Marianne's relationship with Colonel Brandon evolves from initial indifference to a deep emotional connection. Their bond represents a contrast to her previous romantic ideals and serves as a source of stability and genuine affection.

Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby

Marianne's relationship with Willoughby is characterized by intense passion, romantic illusions, and the eventual disillusionment caused by his betrayal. Their tumultuous affair becomes a catalyst for Marianne's emotional growth and introspection.

Elinor Dashwood and Lucy Steele

Elinor's relationship with Lucy is marked by concealed animosity, hidden agendas, and the revelation of Lucy's deceitful nature. Their interactions serve to highlight the contrast between genuine integrity and calculated manipulation.

Mrs. Dashwood and Mrs. Jennings

The relationship between Mrs. Dashwood and Mrs. Jennings is characterized by mutual support, shared experiences, and the camaraderie of women navigating the complexities of society and romance.

Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars

The relationship between Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars is defined by their differing approaches to love and honor. Their interactions provide insight into the contrasts between steadfast devotion and internal conflict.

Sir John Middleton and the Dashwood Family

Sir John Middleton's relationship with the Dashwood family reflects his generous hospitality, genuine friendship, and the supportive role he plays in their lives during times of hardship.

Margaret Dashwood and the Other Characters

Margaret's relationships with the other characters showcase her youthful curiosity, observant nature, and the impact of the events unfolding around her. Her interactions provide a lens through which the reader can view the unfolding narrative.

Conclusion

In "Sense and Sensibility," Jane Austen presents a diverse cast of characters whose interactions, growth, and relationships drive the narrative forward. From the contrasting personas of Elinor and Marianne to the complex dynamics of love and deceit, the characters and their arcs offer a rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions. Through their individual journeys and interpersonal connections, the novel explores themes of love, resilience, societal expectations, and the enduring power of human connection.