Who’s who in Persuasion, the 1817 novel by Jane Austen, with a guide to every character in our retelling for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.
Persuasion follows a small circle of people in early nineteenth-century England, and nearly every one of them is a little different from the face they show the world. At the heart of it is Anne Elliot, a quiet young woman who is easy to overlook, and Captain Wentworth, the naval officer she once loved. Around them are Anne’s proud father Sir Walter, her sensible godmother Lady Russell, and her sister Mary, who is always sure that something is the matter.
The rest of the cast helps children and parents see how people can be kind or unkind in different ways. Louisa Musgrove is lively and bold, Mrs Smith is cheerful in hard times, and cousin William Elliot is charming in ways Anne is right to doubt. These character guides explain who each person is, what part they play in Jane Austen’s original novel, and offer a question to talk about together.
The quiet sister • Kind and true
Anne Elliot is the gentle, clever daughter of proud Sir Walter. Years ago she was talked out of marrying a young sailor named Frederick Wentworth, and she has missed him ever since. When he returns, Anne quietly helps everyone around her, from caring for a hurt little nephew to staying calm in an emergency, while hoping for a second chance.
Full character guide
Brave sea captain • Proud and loyal
Captain Frederick Wentworth is a brave naval officer who once loved Anne Elliot but was turned away because he had no fortune. Eight years later he comes home rich and famous, still hurt and proud. At first he is cool toward Anne, but his small kind acts show he still cares, and he slowly learns what true strength looks like.
Full character guide
Anne’s proud father • Vain and boastful
Sir Walter Elliot is Anne’s father, a proud baronet who loves his handsome face and his family name more than anything. He spends so much money that the family must rent out Kellynch Hall and move to Bath. He admires mirrors, titles and fancy people, and he rarely notices how wise and kind his daughter Anne really is.
Full character guide
Anne’s wise godmother • Proper and cautious
Lady Russell is Anne’s sensible godmother and a close family friend, and she tells Sir Walter he must rent out Kellynch Hall to pay his bills. Years earlier she warned Anne not to marry a sailor without money, because she worried about Anne’s future. She loves Anne dearly, and in the end she is brave enough to admit when she has been wrong.
Full character guide
Anne’s complaining sister • Always dramatic
Mary Musgrove is Anne’s younger sister, who lives at Uppercross Cottage with her husband Charles and their little boys. She often feels sure that she is sick or left out, and she likes to remind everyone that she is an Elliot. When Anne comes to stay, Anne’s patient care helps Mary feel better and brings peace to the busy cottage.
Full character guide
Mary’s bold sister-in-law • Daring and cheerful
Louisa Musgrove is a lively young lady from the Uppercross Great House who loves music, dancing and adventure. She admires Captain Wentworth’s exciting sea stories and boasts that nobody can ever change her mind. Her headstrong ways lead to a scary tumble at Lyme, but she heals with rest and care and finds her own happy ending.
Full character guide
Cousin and heir • Smooth and scheming
William Elliot is Anne’s cousin, who will one day inherit Kellynch Hall. He has smooth manners and pays lots of compliments, so Sir Walter and Lady Russell think he is wonderful. Anne feels uneasy around him, though, and she soon learns that his charm hides selfish plans to protect his own future.
Full character guide
Anne’s loyal friend • Clever and brave
Mrs. Smith is Anne’s old school friend who lives in small, simple rooms in Bath. She has lost her husband and her money and is too unwell to walk, yet she greets Anne with a bright smile. Mrs. Smith is honest and wise, and she shares an important truth that helps Anne see someone clearly.
Full character guide