How old is Colonel Brandon?

The book says he is about thirty-five, on the wrong side of five and thirty. Marianne is seventeen when she first thinks him too old.

Who does Colonel Brandon marry?

He marries Marianne Dashwood. By the end of the book she has come to love him dearly.

What is Colonel Brandon’s secret?

He once loved a girl named Eliza, and later tried to protect her daughter, also named Eliza, from Willoughby’s cruelty. He tells Elinor the story to show Willoughby’s true character.

From Sense and Sensibility

Colonel Brandon

Noble and steadfast protector

A quiet, serious retired army officer who loves music and is a loyal, patient friend.

Who is Colonel Brandon?

Colonel Brandon is a retired army officer, thirty-five, quiet and serious, with a noble face. While others chatter, he listens, and he is deeply touched by Marianne’s music. He is patient, loyal and brave, and he quietly helps the Dashwoods and Edward whenever he can, asking nothing in return.

Colonel Brandon is a character in Sense and Sensibility, the 1811 novel by Jane Austen, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Colonel Brandon like?

quiet
loyal
brave

Colonel Brandon’s story

Colonel Brandon is, as the book says, on the wrong side of five and thirty, silent and grave, and Marianne and Margaret think him an old bachelor. He listens to Marianne play the piano with real pleasure and admires her. He owns Delaford, a handsome estate, and he seems to be a good man in every way.

He also carries a sad secret. As a young man, he loved a girl named Eliza, who was forced to marry his brother. She later fell into misery, and when she died, Brandon became guardian of her young daughter, also named Eliza. Willoughby seduced the younger Eliza and left her, and Brandon fought him in a duel. He tells this to Elinor so that she will know what sort of man Willoughby is.

He quietly helps others. He offers Edward the church living at Delaford, and when Marianne falls ill at Cleveland he races to bring her mother. Marianne, who once thought him too old and dull, slowly learns to value his steady kindness, and the two marry at last. In Brandon’s home Marianne finally finds a love that lasts.

“though his face was not handsome, his countenance was sensible, and his address was particularly gentlemanlike”

Jane Austen, the narrator, describing Colonel Brandon when we first meet him. From the original 1811 novel by Jane Austen.

A moment to remember

When Marianne is very ill, the colonel gallops off through a stormy night to bring Mrs. Dashwood to her daughter’s side.

Marianne Dashwood: the woman he marries
John Willoughby: his rival
Elinor Dashwood: his friend and confidante
Edward Ferrars: a friend he helps
Sir John Middleton: his friend

Talk about it

Marianne first thought Colonel Brandon was dull. What did she learn about him later? Why do quiet people sometimes surprise us?

Questions about Colonel Brandon

How old is Colonel Brandon?: The book says he is about thirty-five, on the wrong side of five and thirty. Marianne is seventeen when she first thinks him too old.
Who does Colonel Brandon marry?: He marries Marianne Dashwood. By the end of the book she has come to love him dearly.
What is Colonel Brandon’s secret?: He once loved a girl named Eliza, and later tried to protect her daughter, also named Eliza, from Willoughby’s cruelty. He tells Elinor the story to show Willoughby’s true character.