Characters
Evelina Anville
Evelina Anville is portrayed as a charming and guileless seventeen-year-old whose correspondence with her guardian, the Reverend Arthur Villars, forms the backbone of the narrative. Her letters detail her forays into the social scenes of London and Bristol, her romantic entanglements, and the attention she garners from suitors. Born to Caroline Evelyn, who passed away soon after her birth, Evelina was abandoned by her father, Sir John Belmont, a young man who deserted his wife upon being disillusioned with the marriage's financial prospects. She experiences numerous challenges in thwarting unwanted suitors and ultimately marries Lord Orville after being recognized legally as Miss Belmont.
The Reverend Arthur Villars
Reverend Arthur Villars has been Evelina’s dedicated guardian since the demise of her mother, Caroline Evelyn. Acting as her counselor and confidant, he responds to Evelina’s frequent letters, offering guidance from his Dorsetshire residence. Initially wary of Lord Orville, he eventually endorses Evelina’s affection for him upon realizing the match brings her happiness. Reverend Villars was once the tutor of Evelina’s maternal grandfather, Mr. Evelyn, and upon his death, he took guardianship of Caroline. He raised Evelina after Caroline’s tragic death, and his home was a refuge for her until she reached seventeen, when the story begins. His blessing is sought by Evelina and Lord Orville for their marriage.
Lord Orville
Lord Orville epitomizes the ideal nobleman, characterized by his excellent breeding and fervent, albeit cautiously expressed, affection for Evelina. Initially reserved in his approaches, his interest is evident despite maintaining a respectful distance. Evelina’s affections for him deepen as she compares him to the other men in her social circle, who consistently fall short. Towards the end, Lord Orville's feelings become apparent as he progresses from friendship to brotherly affection, eventually culminating in a marriage proposal.
Sir Clement Willoughby
Persistent and often abrasive, Sir Clement Willoughby is a suitor of Evelina who does not hesitate to manipulate situations to win her favor. He exhibits poor decorum and exploits Evelina’s naivety, notably by intercepting a letter she penned to Lord Orville, and fabricating a response as if from Orville to cast doubt on his intentions. His efforts, however, are thwarted, leaving it ambiguous whether his heart or ego suffers the greater blow.
Mme Duval
Madame Duval, Evelina’s maternal grandmother, is a figure of vulgarity and coarseness, having spent two decades in Paris before instigating Evelina’s entry into London society. Her speech, marked by exaggerated expressions and a tinge of French influence, betrays her lack of polish and refinement. Displeased with Evelina's autonomy, she threatens to disinherit her. Her attempts to marry Evelina to a nephew or exploit a potential inheritance from Sir John Belmont signify her materialistic and opportunistic nature. Despite being Evelina’s grandmother, her demeanor starkly contrasts with Evelina’s own refined aspirations.
Macartney
Macartney is a languid poet whom Evelina encounters early in her London sojourn. Her intervention saves him from suicide, fostering a complex friendship. Macartney later discovers his illegitimate lineage as Sir John Belmont’s son. His narrative intersects with hers as he eventually marries Polly Green, the child who was mistakenly presented as Sir John's daughter. Evelina intuitively feels a kinship with Macartney, later revealed to be her half-brother.
Sir John Belmont
Sir John Belmont is a remorseful father who comes to terms with his past mistreatment of Evelina and her mother, Caroline Evelyn. Initially rejecting Evelina upon receiving appeals from Lady Howard and Mme Duval, his stance softens when confronted with Caroline’s poignant deathbed letter. This revelation spurs his acceptance of Evelina as his legitimate daughter, coupled with a considerable financial inheritance, subsequently allowing Evelina to marry...
(This entire section contains 1475 words.)
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Lord Orville.
Captain Mirvan
Captain Mirvan is depicted as a crude joker, often finding humor at the expense of others, including Mme Duval. His antics frequently disrupt social gatherings, substituting genteel interactions with coarse exchanges, leaving him a source of embarrassment and tension in his familial and social circles.
Mrs. Mirvan
Mrs. Mirvan, Captain Mirvan’s wife, stands in stark contrast to her husband with her amiability and social grace. A long-time friend of Evelina’s mother, she facilitates Evelina’s introduction to high society, providing guidance and maternal affection throughout Evelina’s journey.
Maria
Maria Mirvan, the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Mirvan, is Evelina’s closest confidante. Their mutual trust and shared experiences foster a deep friendship. They navigate the social landscape together, exchanging heartfelt letters during their time apart.
Lady M. Howard
Lady M. Howard, Mrs. Mirvan’s mother, owns Howard Grove, the site of Evelina’s initial departure from home. Her intervention with Reverend Villars allows Evelina to explore London society. Lady Howard appears only briefly but plays a pivotal role in Evelina’s social journey.
M. Du Bois
Monsieur Du Bois, Mme Duval’s companion from Paris, is relegated to the sidelines, often the target of Captain Mirvan’s antics. His limited English provides Evelina with an escape from the surrounding chaos, and his discreet presence offers a semblance of decency in Mme Duval's entourage.
Polly Green
Polly Green is initially thought to be the daughter of Sir John Belmont. Her mother, Dame Green, swaps her with Evelina at birth, leading to Polly’s upbringing as Miss Belmont. Her marriage to Macartney resolves the identity confusion, with Evelina embracing her as a sister.
Mr. Branghton
Mr. Branghton is a gauche shopkeeper related to Mme Duval. He harbors ambitions for his children, suggesting Evelina marry his son, Tom. With his family dwelling above his London shop, he awkwardly integrates Evelina into their lives, which often results in uncomfortable situations.
Tom
Tom Branghton, Mr. Branghton’s son, develops an infatuation with Evelina, to the point of requesting his family’s intervention in winning her hand. His advances, however, are met with clear rejection by Evelina, leaving him perplexed and disheartened.
Biddy
Biddy Branghton, the elder daughter of Mr. Branghton, is often seen in Madame Duvall’s lively evening excursions. Harboring jealousy towards Evelina, she aspires to marry Mr. Smith, and her envy is exacerbated when Mr. Smith shows a preference for Evelina over her.
Polly
Polly Branghton, the younger sister, is spirited and often reckless, bringing Evelina into dubious situations. Her interactions with Mr. Brown, whom she slyly hopes to marry before her sister, reveal her impetuous nature and desire for social advancement.
Mrs. Selwyn
Mrs. Selwyn, a sagacious neighbor of Reverend Villars, accompanies Evelina to Bristol Hot Wells. Her dry wit and incisive humor provide Evelina with intellectual companionship, and she plays a crucial role in reuniting Evelina with her estranged father, Sir John Belmont. Her presence also lends support to Lord Orville’s marriage proposal to Evelina.
Mrs. Beaumont
Mrs. Beaumont presides over Clifton Hill, serving as the climax's setting where the characters converge. Her superficial pursuit of aristocratic connections underscores her role as a minor character, primarily functioning to bring key figures together for the narrative's resolution. Her belief in the origin of good qualities from pride rather than principles contrasts with Evelina's views.
Lady Louisa Larpent
Lady Louisa Larpent is Lord Orville’s sister, characterized by her arrogance and attempts to redirect his attentions from Evelina. Initially dismissive of Evelina, she later acknowledges her upon learning of Evelina’s true heritage. Her engagement to Lord Merton further complicates her interactions, as her intentions often conflict with those of her brother.
Lord Merton
Lord Merton is introduced as Lady Louisa’s suitor, with recent accession to nobility. His inebriated conduct at Mrs. Beaumont’s gathering highlights his disrespect towards Evelina, provoking tension among the attendees. His courtship with Lady Louisa is driven by aspirations for social elevation rather than genuine affection.
Mr. Lovel
Mr. Lovel, a pretentious dandy, continually demeans Evelina by citing her humble origins. His antics, including reckless driving, render him a figure of ridicule at social events. His initial offense at Evelina’s dance refusal sets the tone for his recurring foolishness throughout the story.
Mr. Smith
Mr. Smith, residing near the Branghton family, is verbose and irritating. His persistent, verbose declarations of Evelina’s beauty and his unrequited devotion are sources of discomfort for her, showcasing his lack of social awareness.
Jack Coverley
Jack Coverley infuses humor into the otherwise serious gatherings, employing his wit harmlessly. His light-hearted demeanor offers respite from philosophical discourse, contributing to the lighter moments of the narrative.
Mrs. Clinton
Mrs. Clinton, the housekeeper for Reverend Villars, served as Evelina’s attendant during her inaugural journey from Berry Hill. As Evelina’s former nursemaid, her loyalty and care bridge Evelina’s transitions from sheltered life to broader society.
The Misses Watkins
The Misses Watkins express disdain for Evelina at Mrs. Beaumont’s party, their contempt rooted in her appeal to the young men. Their attitudes underscore the societal challenges Evelina navigates in her quest for acceptance and love.
