Emma

Emma Woodhouse

Also known as Miss Woodhouse · Emma

The clever, wealthy younger daughter of Mr. Woodhouse and the central figure of the story. She marries Mr. Knightley and continues living at Hartfield with her father.

Mr. Woodhouse

Also known as papa

Emma and Isabella’s affectionate, anxious father, who lives with Emma at Hartfield. A lifelong valetudinarian, he dislikes change and gradually accepts Emma’s marriage to Mr. Knightley.

Isabella

Also known as Mrs. John Knightley

Emma’s elder sister, married to John Knightley and living with him and their five children in London. She is gentle, affectionate, and devoted to her family.

Miss Taylor

Also known as Mrs. Weston

Emma’s former governess and dear friend, who helped raise her and married Mr. Weston. She is gentle and sensible, and lives with her husband at Randalls.

Mr. Weston

Also known as Captain Weston

A cheerful, sociable Highbury native and former militia captain who married Miss Taylor. He is Frank Churchill’s father and welcomes Frank and Jane Fairfax’s engagement, as well as Emma and Mr. Knightley’s.

Mr. Knightley

Also known as George

A sensible, frank old friend of the Woodhouse family and elder brother of John Knightley. He lives at Donwell Abbey, manages its home farm, serves as a magistrate, and marries Emma, living with her and Mr. Woodhouse at Hartfield.

James

The Woodhouses’ coachman; his daughter Hannah works as a housemaid at Randalls.

Hannah

James’s daughter, whom Mr. Woodhouse helped obtain a housemaid’s position at Randalls.

Frank Churchill

Also known as Mr. Frank Churchill · Frank · F. C. Weston Churchill

Mr. Weston’s son from his first marriage, raised by his maternal uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, and given their surname. He marries Jane Fairfax after a secret engagement, a rupture, and their reconciliation.

Miss Churchill

Mr. Weston’s first wife and Frank Churchill’s mother. She was the sister of Mr. Churchill and died after three years of marriage.

Mr. Churchill

Miss Churchill’s proud brother, who disapproved of her marriage to Captain Weston and raised Frank as his heir. After his wife’s death, he consents to Frank’s engagement to Jane Fairfax.

Mrs. Churchill

Mr. Churchill’s capricious and influential wife, who helped raise Frank Churchill as their heir. She dies suddenly after a brief seizure.

Mr. Perry

The Highbury apothecary, whose frequent visits comfort Mr. Woodhouse. He treats Harriet and advises the Woodhouse family on health and travel.

Mrs. Perry

A Highbury resident, wife of Mr. Perry, who is fond of Mrs. Bates and once tried to persuade her husband to buy a carriage.

Mrs. Bates

The elderly widow of a former Highbury vicar and mother of Miss Bates. She lives modestly with her daughter and is Jane Fairfax’s grandmother.

Miss Bates

Mrs. Bates’s unmarried daughter, a kind, cheerful, talkative woman widely liked in Highbury despite her modest circumstances. She is Jane Fairfax’s aunt.

Mrs. Goddard

The plain, motherly mistress of a well-regarded boarding school in Highbury. She is a frequent guest at Hartfield and cares for Harriet during her illness.

Harriet Smith

Also known as Miss Smith

A pretty, sweet-tempered young woman raised at Mrs. Goddard’s school. The daughter of a tradesman, she marries Robert Martin, whom she has always loved.

Mr. Martin

Also known as Mr. Robert Martin · Robert Martin

A respectable, sensible young farmer who rents Abbey-Mill Farm from Mr. Knightley. After Harriet once refused him, he proposes again and she accepts; they marry.

Mrs. Martin

Mr. Martin’s mother, who runs the farm household and has treated Harriet generously.

Elizabeth Martin

Also known as Elizabeth

One of Mr. Martin’s sisters, whom Harriet regards as a close friend and a well-educated young woman. She writes Harriet a kind note and later receives her on a brief, awkward visit.

Miss Nash

A teacher at Mrs. Goddard’s school, now identified as its head teacher. She has compiled many riddles and tells Harriet about Mr. Elton’s trip to London.

Miss Prince

A teacher at Mrs. Goddard’s school.

Miss Richardson

A teacher at Mrs. Goddard’s school.

John Knightley

Also known as Mr. John Knightley · John

Isabella’s husband and Mr. Knightley’s younger brother. He lives in London with Isabella and their five children and works as a lawyer; he is clever and reserved, and can be impatient with Mr. Woodhouse’s anxieties.

Henry

The eldest of Isabella and John Knightley’s children, named after his maternal grandfather, Mr. Woodhouse. He is six years old and is Mr. Knightley’s heir to Donwell Abbey.

John

The second of Isabella and John Knightley’s children, named after his father.

Bella

One of Isabella and John Knightley’s children, whose throat has been delicate.

George

One of Isabella and John Knightley’s children.

Serle

A servant at Hartfield, praised by Mr. Woodhouse for knowing how to boil eggs.

Farmer Mitchell

A farmer from whom Mr. Weston once borrowed umbrellas for Emma and Miss Taylor.

The shepherd’s son

An unnamed boy whom Mr. Martin brought in to sing for Harriet.

Mr. Elton

The handsome, sociable vicar of Highbury, who pursued Emma, married Augusta Hawkins, and treats Harriet with contempt. He conducts the weddings of Harriet and Robert Martin and Emma and Mr. Knightley.

Jane Fairfax

Miss Bates’s niece and Mrs. Bates’s granddaughter, raised by Colonel and Mrs. Campbell after her parents died. She marries Frank Churchill after their reconciliation.

Mr. Cole

Also known as Cole

A prosperous Highbury tradesman, friendly with Mr. Elton and host to a dinner party attended by Emma and others. He and his wife have expanded their household and social circle as their fortune has grown.

Emma’s mother

Also known as her mother

Emma’s deceased mother, remembered by Mr. Woodhouse as clever and good at riddles. She was Isabella’s mother as well.

Sick child from the poor family

Also known as the child from the cottage

An unnamed child from the sick, impoverished family Emma visits outside Highbury. The child is sent to Hartfield to fetch broth.

Mr. Wingfield

Isabella and John Knightley’s London doctor, who advised them to take the children to South End for sea bathing and treats Isabella and the children.

The housekeeper

An unnamed housekeeper, including Mr. Elton’s housekeeper who helps Emma when she stops at his house to repair her boot.

Nursery-maids

The unnamed attendants who accompany Isabella and John Knightley’s children on their visit to Hartfield.

The temporary cook

Also known as the cook at South End

An unnamed young woman hired temporarily at South End, who could not make the smooth gruel Isabella wanted.

Mr. Graham

John Knightley’s friend, who intends to hire a bailiff from Scotland to manage his new estate.

The Braithwaites

A family invited to Enscombe whose visit may be postponed because Mrs. Churchill dislikes them; their plans affect whether Frank Churchill can visit his father.

Colonel Campbell

Jane Fairfax’s guardian and the husband of Mrs. Campbell. He was a friend of Jane’s father, Lieutenant Fairfax, and took Jane into his family, arranging and supporting her education.

Mrs. Campbell

Jane Fairfax’s guardian and the wife of Colonel Campbell. She helped raise Jane and may be reluctant to let her visit Highbury after her own daughter’s marriage.

The Campbell daughter

Also known as Miss Campbell · Mrs. Dixon

The daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Campbell, Jane Fairfax’s close friend from childhood. She married Mr. Dixon and lives in Ireland.

William Coxe

A young lawyer whom Emma briefly considers as a possible match for Harriet, then dismisses as pert.

Miss Hawkins

Also known as Augusta Hawkins

The beautiful, accomplished woman Mr. Elton marries. She has an independent fortune, is vain and self-important, and eagerly displays her social connections.

Mr. Dixon

Mrs. Dixon’s husband, a wealthy, agreeable young man from Ireland. He once saved Jane Fairfax from being thrown into the sea during a boating outing at Weymouth.

Lieut. Fairfax

Also known as Fairfax

Jane Fairfax’s father, an infantry officer and friend of Colonel Campbell. He died in action abroad.

Jane Bates

Jane Fairfax’s mother and Mrs. Bates’s youngest daughter. She died of consumption and grief soon after her husband’s death.

Mrs. Cole

Mr. Cole’s wife, who hosts a dinner party attended by Emma and reports the arrival of a pianoforte for Jane Fairfax. She and her husband are friendly, prosperous Highbury residents.

The elder Miss Hawkins

Augusta Hawkins’s elder sister, married to a gentleman near Bristol and said to keep two carriages. She is mentioned but does not appear.

Miss Hawkins’s uncle

Augusta Hawkins’s uncle, with whom she lives in Bristol; he is described only as being in the legal profession. He is mentioned but does not appear.

Mr. Green

A man whose dinner Mr. Elton attended during the rapid course of his courtship with Augusta Hawkins. He is mentioned but does not appear.

Mrs. Brown

A woman who hosted a party attended by Mr. Elton and Augusta Hawkins during their courtship. She is mentioned but does not appear.

The old nurse

Also known as Frank Churchill’s nurse

An unnamed elderly woman who nursed Frank Churchill when he was young and still lives in Highbury. Frank seeks out her cottage during his visit.

Mr. Cox

The Highbury lawyer, whose male relatives attend the Coles’ dinner party. His relationship, if any, to William Coxe is not established.

Anne Cox

One of the Cox daughters, who talks with Harriet about Mr. Martin after he dines with the Cox family.

Mr. William Cox

A member of the Cox family, seen by Emma entering the lawyer’s office. His relationship to William Coxe is not established.

Mrs. Ford

A Highbury shopkeeper who serves Emma and Harriet at Ford’s and offers to send their purchases to Hartfield or Mrs. Goddard’s.

The butcher

An unnamed Highbury butcher, seen by Emma carrying a tray outside Ford’s shop.

The tidy old woman

An unnamed older woman Emma sees walking home from the shops with a full basket.

The letter-boy

An unnamed boy Emma sees on a mule while she waits outside Ford’s shop.

Mrs. Wallis

A local woman who sends baked apples to Mrs. Bates’s household and is said by Miss Bates to treat them with great kindness.

Patty

A servant in the Bates household who reports household news to Miss Bates.

William Larkins

Mr. Knightley’s longtime farm steward and acquaintance of the Bates household. He brings them Mr. Knightley’s apples and manages the farm’s accounts.

Mrs. Hodges

A woman in Mr. Knightley’s household who is displeased when he sends the Bateses all the remaining apples.

John Saunders

A person Miss Bates intends to visit to have the rivet on Mrs. Bates’s spectacles repaired; he is mentioned but does not appear.

Mrs. Stokes

The woman who keeps the Crown Inn, where Mr. Weston’s ball is held.

The Gilberts

A Highbury family whose members are considered for invitation to the proposed dance at Randalls.

Miss Gilbert

A young woman expected to visit her brother and considered for invitation to the proposed dance at Randalls.

Mrs. Gilbert

A woman who is an old friend of Mr. Elton and is said to have been willing to dance at the Coles’ gathering if invited. Her relationship to the Gilberts is not specified.

The younger Cox

A second young man in the Cox family, proposed as an additional guest for the dance at Randalls.

Mr. Weston’s cousins

An unnamed family of Mr. Weston’s cousins whom he says must be included among the guests at the proposed dance.

The old acquaintances

An unnamed family of very old acquaintances whom Mr. Weston says cannot be left out of the proposed dance.

Mr. Suckling

Mrs. Elton’s brother-in-law, whose country estate Maple Grove and wealth are a frequent source of her pride. He is an established neighbour of the Tupmans.

Selina Suckling

Also known as Selina

Mrs. Elton’s sister and Mr. Suckling’s wife, who lives at Maple Grove. Mrs. Elton often cites her opinions, habits, and social position.

Mrs. Partridge

A woman with whom Mrs. Elton lodged in Bath and whom she calls a particular friend. Mrs. Elton considers asking her to look for a governess position for Jane Fairfax.

Mr. Jeffereys

The husband of Mrs. Jeffereys, mentioned as an acquaintance of Mrs. Elton’s sister Selina; he does not appear.

Mrs. Jeffereys

Also known as Clara Partridge

A married acquaintance of Mrs. Elton who, like Selina, has given up playing music. Mrs. Elton identifies her by her former name, Clara Partridge.

Mrs. Bird

One of Mrs. Elton’s acquaintances, formerly one of the Miss Milmans, who has given up music after marriage.

Mrs. James Cooper

One of Mrs. Elton’s acquaintances, formerly one of the Miss Milmans, who has given up music after marriage.

The Miss Milmans

Two women known to Mrs. Elton who married and gave up music; one is now Mrs. Bird and the other Mrs. James Cooper.

Mrs. Bragge

A cousin of Mr. Suckling who has many applicants for governess positions in her family and is said by Mrs. Elton to move in the first social circle.

Mr. Bragge

A man who once traveled to London and back in a week with Mr. Suckling. He is mentioned but does not appear.

The post-office man

Also known as the man who fetches the Eltons’ letters

An unnamed servant employed by the Eltons to collect their letters, whom Mrs. Elton proposes to have collect Jane Fairfax’s post as well.

The post-office clerks

The unnamed clerks who sort and deliver the kingdom’s letters; Jane Fairfax and John Knightley discuss their work.

Wright

The Eltons’ cook, mentioned by Mrs. Elton when she boasts about her household.

Miss Bickerton

A parlour boarder at Mrs. Goddard’s school who attends the Crown ball. Walking with Harriet after the ball, she is frightened by the gypsies and runs back to Highbury, leaving Harriet behind.

The gypsy child

Also known as the child on the watch

An unnamed child in the gypsy party who approaches Harriet and Miss Bickerton to beg.

The stout woman

An unnamed woman among the gypsies who, with a boy and several children, surrounds and intimidates Harriet.

The great boy

An unnamed boy among the gypsies who helps surround and intimidate Harriet.

Dr. Hughes

A doctor attending the Crown ball, whom Miss Bates greets.

Mrs. Hughes

A woman attending the Crown ball with Dr. Hughes.

Mr. Richard

Also known as Richard

A man at the Crown ball whom Miss Bates greets; the text gives no further identification.

Mrs. Otway

A guest at the Crown ball, greeted by Miss Bates.

Mr. Otway

A guest at the Crown ball, greeted by Miss Bates.

Miss Otway

A young woman at the Crown ball, greeted by Miss Bates.

Miss Caroline

A young woman at the Crown ball, greeted by Miss Bates alongside the Otways.

Mr. George Otway

A young man who dances with Jane Fairfax at the Crown ball.

Mr. Arthur

A man at the Crown ball, greeted by Miss Bates.

The Tupmans

A family recently settled at West Hall near Maple Grove, whom Mrs. Elton describes as socially pretentious and of uncertain origins.

Mrs. Smallridge

A woman who offers Jane Fairfax a position caring for her three young daughters. She is described by Miss Bates as charming and well connected to Mrs. Suckling and Mrs. Bragge.

John Abdy

An elderly man who served as clerk to Miss Bates’s father for twenty-seven years. He is bed-ridden and suffering from rheumatic gout.

John Abdy’s son

Also known as John ostler

John Abdy’s son, who works as head man and ostler at the Crown. He asks Mr. Elton about parish relief for his bed-ridden father.

Tom

A boy sent from Randalls to fetch the Crown chaise when Frank Churchill decides to return to Richmond.

The child to be born at Randalls

Also known as Anna Weston

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Weston, born at Randalls. Emma calls her Anna Weston and imagines her growing up at home, where Mrs. Weston can teach her.

Harriet’s father

An unnamed tradesman, wealthy enough to provide Harriet with a comfortable maintenance. He wished to keep her parentage concealed and is mentioned but does not appear.