Anne Elliot

Anne Elliot, the protagonist and second daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, finds herself a victim of persuasion. Despite her beauty and charm, she is continually overlooked by her family. As a young woman, she was courted by Frederick Wentworth, then a junior officer in the Royal Navy. However, due to her father's disapproval and Lady Russell's advice, she ended the relationship, despite her love for him. At twenty-six, Anne encounters Wentworth again when his brother-in-law and sister rent her family's estate. Now a wealthy captain, Wentworth seems indifferent to Anne, appearing enamored with Louisa Musgrove instead. While in Bath, Anne finds herself receiving the attentions of her cousin, William Elliot, who initially impresses her with his charm. However, insights from her friend Mrs. Smith reveal William's true, self-serving nature. Despite her distress over Wentworth's apparent indifference, she is overjoyed when he realizes his true feelings and proposes to her. With Wentworth's newfound wealth and status, Sir Walter can no longer object, leading to a gratifying conclusion for Anne.

Sir Walter Elliot

Sir Walter Elliot, the patriarch of Kellynch Hall and Anne's father, is excessively proud of his lineage and appearance. Foolish and extravagant, he eventually has to lease his estate and relocate to Bath due to financial mismanagement. He favors his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, hoping she will secure a prosperous marriage to their heir, William Elliot. Sir Walter is nearly fooled by Mrs. Clay’s schemes but is ultimately saved by William's intervention. His snobbery prevented Anne's planned marriage to Wentworth, whom he deemed an undesirable match due to his naval profession and modest origins. Nevertheless, by the novel's end, Sir Walter welcomes Wentworth into the family, acknowledging his wealth and success.

Elizabeth Elliot

Elizabeth Elliot, the eldest daughter of Sir Walter, has been the mistress of Kellynch Hall since her mother’s death. Attractive yet aloof and self-centered, she shares her father's vanity and class prejudices, largely ignoring Anne. Having failed to make a remarkable marriage, Elizabeth remains unmarried. She forms a friendship with Mrs. Clay, who is viewed with suspicion by Anne and Lady Russell due to her manipulative tendencies and desire to marry Sir Walter.

Mary Musgrove

Mary Musgrove, the youngest Elliot daughter, is married to Charles Musgrove. Despite her status, she often feels neglected by her family. Self-absorbed and prone to illness, she frequently demands Anne's attention, insisting she cannot manage without her care. Although Mary lacks Anne's empathy and even temper, Anne often obliges her, as Mary is neither as dismissive nor as distant as Elizabeth. Her marriage to Charles elevates her standing in Sir Walter's eyes, who values the Musgrove's societal position.

Charles Musgrove

Charles Musgrove, Mary's husband, is a typical countryside squire and a well-regarded local figure. He initially proposed to Anne, who declined, leading him to marry her sister Mary. Charles's good nature allows him to endure Mary's constant attention-seeking, a trait Anne respects. Although Charles is kind and sensible, Anne does not regret her decision, recognizing his lack of conversational depth. His passion for sport overshadows other pursuits, a situation that might have been different had he married someone of equal intellect who could guide him more effectively.

Captain Frederick Wentworth

Captain Frederick Wentworth is the novel's hero, who fell in love with Anne Elliot years prior, only to be rejected due to family pressure and Lady Russell's counsel. Upon reuniting with Anne, he appears indifferent and seemingly interested in Louisa Musgrove. Yet, his renewed acquaintance with Anne rekindles his admiration for her, leading him to propose once more. His captaincy and wealth now remove any familial objections, allowing Anne and Wentworth to marry. Known for his quick intellect and generous spirit, Wentworth's character is further revealed through his interactions with others, such as his compassion toward Mrs. Musgrove and his acceptance of responsibility for Louisa's accident.

Admiral Croft

Admiral Croft, along with his wife, leases Kellynch Hall from the Elliots. Known for his "goodness of heart and simplicity of character," he is admired by Anne for his affability. His presence in the story underscores the theme of naval men achieving social mobility and respect.

Mrs. Croft

Mrs. Croft, Admiral Croft's wife, is "well-spoken" and shrewd, appearing older due to her time at sea. Anne respects her candid nature and steadfastness in accompanying her husband under challenging conditions, which highlights her strong character and devotion.

William Elliot

William Elliot, the novel's antagonist, is Sir Walter's heir. Initially uninterested in his family, he marries a wealthy grazier's daughter. As a rich widower, William seeks to mend family ties at Bath, charming Anne until Mrs. Smith exposes his conniving nature. William's manipulations extend to preventing Sir Walter's marriage to Mrs. Clay by making her his mistress, ensuring his own prospects remain secure.

Mr. Musgrove

Mr. Musgrove and his wife are the heads of the Musgrove family at Uppercross. Their lifestyle is disordered, much like their home, but they are well-liked for their hospitality. Despite their lack of refinement and education, their genuine warmth makes them popular figures.

Mrs. Musgrove

Mrs. Musgrove shares her husband's amiable disposition, contributing to the family's overall welcoming atmosphere. Her inviting nature is particularly evident when she insists on caring for Louisa after her accident.

Louisa Musgrove

Louisa Musgrove, Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove's daughter, initially appears to be a potential match for Captain Wentworth, especially after she suffers an accident for which Wentworth feels responsible. However, her recovery leads to a romance with Captain Benwick, showcasing her impulsive and changeable nature.

Henrietta Musgrove

Henrietta Musgrove, Louisa's sister, displays similar liveliness and charm. She is romantically involved with her cousin, Charles Hayter, although her affections briefly waver in favor of Captain Wentworth. Ultimately, her attachment to Hayter prevails, and they marry.

Lady Russell

Lady Russell, a close family friend and widow, advises Anne against marrying Wentworth due to his uncertain prospects. Although she has a well-meaning and principled nature, her prejudice against lower social standings influences her judgment. Despite this, she shows humility and grace in accepting Anne's eventual reconciliation with Wentworth.

Mr. Shepherd

Mr. Shepherd, Sir Walter's lawyer and father to Mrs. Clay, is depicted as "civil and cautious." He plays a pivotal role in negotiating the lease of Kellynch Hall to the Crofts.

Mrs. Clay

Mrs. Clay, Mr. Shepherd's daughter, seeks to advance her social position through her association with the Elliots. Despite her keen intelligence and persuasive skills, her intentions are viewed with suspicion. She attempts to secure a marriage with Sir Walter but ultimately becomes William Elliot's mistress, aligning with her self-serving ambitions.

Mrs. Charles Smith

Mrs. Charles Smith, Anne's former schoolmate, provides a window into William Elliot's true character, revealing his unscrupulous nature. Once wealthy, she now faces poverty and illness in Bath. Despite her hardships, she remains resourceful and resilient, qualities that Anne deeply admires.

Captain Benwick

Captain Benwick, initially a widower mourning the loss of Captain Harville's sister, becomes a friend to Anne during her visit to Lyme. Though characterized by a "melancholy air," he engages with Anne in discussions on literature, finding solace in her company. His pragmatic need to remain occupied leads him to practical tasks, and his eventual attachment to Louisa Musgrove marks a new chapter in his life.

Mrs. Fanny Harville

Mrs. Fanny Harville is warm-hearted and welcoming, though less polished than her husband. She graciously accommodates the Somersetshire group and takes charge of Louisa's recovery after her accident, exemplifying her kindness and hospitality.

Charles Hayter

Charles Hayter, a scholar with superior cultivation and manners compared to the Musgroves, is engaged to Henrietta. His relationship is briefly threatened by Wentworth's arrival but ultimately remains steadfast, revealing his patient and enduring character.