Elinor Dashwood

Elinor Dashwood, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Dashwood, is a paragon of "sense" in Jane Austen's work. At nineteen, she embodies prudence and emotional restraint, valuing rational judgment over impulsive behavior. Despite her deep feelings and artistic talents, she often prioritizes the well-being of others over her own desires. She is attracted to Edward Ferrars, whom she sees as a kindred spirit due to his practical nature. Their relationship faces obstacles due to Edward's secret engagement to Lucy Steele and his subsequent disinheritance. Throughout these trials, Elinor maintains her composure, becoming the emotional anchor of her family, counseling her mother and sisters. Ultimately, after being freed from his engagement, Edward marries Elinor, rewarding her steadfastness.

Marianne Dashwood

Marianne Dashwood, the younger sister of Elinor, epitomizes the "sensibility" of the title with her fervent emotional expressions and romantic ideals. She initially dismisses Colonel Brandon's affections, deeming him too old, and falls for the charming John Willoughby. However, Willoughby's betrayal, driven by financial necessity and familial pressure, leads to Marianne's emotional and physical collapse. Through these experiences, she grows to appreciate Colonel Brandon's virtues and eventually marries him, finding contentment in his steadfast love.

John Willoughby

John Willoughby, the novel's antagonist, is a charismatic yet morally bankrupt young man. He wins Marianne's heart but ultimately prioritizes wealth over love, marrying a wealthy woman to secure his financial future after being disowned due to his scandalous past. Willoughby's actions serve as a catalyst for Marianne's heartbreak and subsequent maturation.

John Dashwood

John Dashwood, half-brother to Elinor and Marianne, inherits Norland Park. Despite his father's dying wishes for him to support his half-sisters, John is easily swayed by his wife Fanny's manipulation and self-interest, ultimately neglecting his family's needs. His primary concerns align with wealth and social status, leaving him indifferent to his sisters' plight.

Fanny Dashwood

Fanny Dashwood, the wife of John Dashwood, is a calculating and avaricious woman. Her influence on John leads him to ignore his father's intent to provide for his half-sisters. Fanny's actions are driven by greed and a desire to maintain social standing, making her an unsympathetic figure throughout the narrative.

Mrs. Dashwood

Mrs. Dashwood, mother to Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, is a warm and impulsive woman who often requires Elinor's guidance to avoid imprudent decisions. Following her husband's death and her stepdaughter-in-law Fanny's intrusion, she relocates her family to Barton Cottage, where she continues to display her passionate nature.

Mrs. Ferrars

Mrs. Ferrars, the domineering matriarch of the Ferrars family, wields her wealth as a means of controlling her sons' futures. Her harsh disapproval of Edward's engagement to Lucy Steele results in his disinheritance, only for her plan to backfire when Robert marries Lucy instead.

Robert Ferrars

Robert Ferrars, the younger son of Mrs. Ferrars, benefits from his mother's wrath towards Edward. However, his marriage to Lucy Steele, the very woman at the heart of the family conflict, marks a twist in the familial saga, driven by his coxcomb nature and desire for social elevation.

Edward Ferrars

Edward Ferrars, known for his modesty and principled character, becomes romantically entangled with Elinor Dashwood despite his pre-existing, secret engagement to Lucy Steele. Disowned by his mother for this engagement, he finds an unexpected liberation that allows him to pursue his genuine affection for Elinor, culminating in their marriage.

Lucy Steele

Lucy Steele is a cunning and opportunistic young woman engaged to Edward Ferrars. Her engagement is kept secret to preserve Edward's inheritance prospects. However, when Edward is disinherited, she promptly shifts her affections to his brother Robert, displaying her mercenary nature.

Anne Steele

Anne Steele, Lucy's older sister, shares her sibling's lack of sophistication. Described as less attractive, she remains unmarried, often overshadowed by Lucy's more dynamic machinations.

Colonel Brandon

Colonel Brandon, a reserved and honorable man of thirty-five, harbors unrequited love for Marianne Dashwood. His patient devotion eventually wins her over, especially after Willoughby's deceit comes to light. He provides financial support to Eliza Williams, revealing his compassionate nature.

Sir John Middleton

Sir John Middleton, a jovial and generous relative of the Dashwoods, provides them with a home at Barton Cottage. Known for his hospitality, he frequently organizes social gatherings to engage the Dashwood sisters, despite his often mundane conversations.

Lady Middleton

Lady Middleton, married to Sir John, is courteous yet somewhat distant. Her primary focus is on her children, which can render her interactions with the Dashwood sisters rather uninspiring.

Mrs. Jennings

Mrs. Jennings, the mother of Lady Middleton and Mrs. Palmer, is a lively, well-meaning woman preoccupied with matchmaking. Despite her vulgarity and penchant for gossip, her heart is kind, often working to secure marriages for the Dashwood sisters.

Mrs. Palmer

Mrs. Palmer, Lady Middleton’s sister, is cheerful and scatterbrained. Though seen as silly by the Dashwoods, she remains optimistic and is part of the family's social circle.

Mr. Palmer

Mr. Palmer, the husband of Mrs. Palmer, is grave and serious. His brooding nature contrasts sharply with his wife's vivacity, and the Dashwoods find him somewhat dour.

Margaret Dashwood

Margaret, the youngest Dashwood sister, is not yet of courting age. She serves as a conduit of information about her older sisters and their social interactions, often overlooked due to her youth.

Miss Sophia Grey

Miss Grey is the wealthy woman whom Willoughby marries. She plays a crucial role in the narrative by insisting he write the letter that causes Marianne's heartbreak.

Dr. Harris

Dr. Harris is the physician responsible for Marianne’s care during her serious illness, providing necessary medical attention at a critical time.

Dr. Davies

Dr. Davies is noted for transporting the Miss Steeles in his carriage, a minor but notable figure within the social setting of the story.

Mrs. Smith

Mrs. Smith is a wealthy relative of Willoughby's, who holds significant influence over his financial future, impacting his marital choices.

Miss Eliza Williams

Eliza Williams, the illegitimate ward of Colonel Brandon, suffers seduction and abandonment by Willoughby. Brandon’s support for her underscores his compassionate character.