How old is Sir John Middleton?

The book describes him as a good-looking man of about forty.

Why does Sir John invite the Steele sisters?

He thinks that more company will make the party livelier. He has no idea that one of them, Lucy, has a painful secret.

From Sense and Sensibility

Sir John Middleton

Jolly and welcoming cousin

The Dashwoods’ hearty cousin and landlord at Barton Park, who loves parties, picnics and company.

Who is Sir John Middleton?

Sir John Middleton is the Dashwoods’ cousin and landlord, a hearty gentleman in a bright red hunting coat. He loves parties, picnics and having company at Barton Park every day. His loud, jolly welcome makes the Dashwoods feel at home when they first arrive in Devonshire, and he cheers louder than anyone at happy news.

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

What is Sir John Middleton like?

jolly
generous
friendly

Sir John Middleton’s story

Sir John Middleton, about forty, is the cousin who rents Barton Cottage to the Dashwoods. He is friendly, hearty and generous, and the first thing he does is welcome his new neighbors to dinner at Barton Park. He pushes them to come to dinner nearly every day, and he cannot see why anyone would want to be alone.

He loves hunting, parties, picnics, dancing and having young people around him. The Dashwoods sometimes find his constant plans tiring, and Marianne finds him a bit noisy. But his kindness is real. He is the one who introduces them to Colonel Brandon, and he often teases the young people about their sweethearts.

Sir John also invites Lucy and Anne Steele to stay, which brings the secret of Edward’s engagement into the Dashwoods’ lives. He never means any harm. When the sisters are in trouble he is warm and sympathetic, and he is delighted when the story ends with weddings among his friends and relations.

“His countenance was thoroughly good-humoured; and his manners were as friendly as the style of his letter.”

Jane Austen, the narrator, describing Sir John when he first calls on the Dashwoods. From the original 1811 novel by Jane Austen.

A moment to remember

At the wedding breakfast, Sir John raises his cup and leads three thunderous cheers for both happy couples.

Mrs. Jennings: his mother-in-law
Mrs. Dashwood: his cousin
Colonel Brandon: his friend
Lucy Steele: a young relation he invites to Barton Park

Talk about it

Sir John made the Dashwoods feel welcome in their new home. How could you help a new neighbor or classmate feel welcome?

Questions about Sir John Middleton

Who is Sir John Middleton?: He is the Dashwoods’ cousin and landlord, a cheerful gentleman who lives at Barton Park. He offers them Barton Cottage.
How old is Sir John Middleton?: The book describes him as a good-looking man of about forty.
Why does Sir John invite the Steele sisters?: He thinks that more company will make the party livelier. He has no idea that one of them, Lucy, has a painful secret.