From Mansfield Park
William Price
Fanny’s sailor brother • Brave and true
Fanny’s brave, cheerful older brother, a young sailor in the navy who loves her dearly and tells thrilling tales of the sea.
Who is William Price?
William Price is Fanny’s brave, cheerful older brother, a young sailor in the navy. He is only a year older than Fanny and has always been her best friend in the family. When he visits Mansfield Park after years at sea, his warm stories and loving heart make Fanny happier than she has ever been.
William Price is a character in Mansfield Park, the 1814 novel by Jane Austen, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.
What is William Price like?
- brave
- cheerful
- loving
William Price’s story
William is the eldest of the Price children and Fanny’s favorite. When she leaves for Mansfield, he promises to write, and his letters mean the world to her. Sir Thomas helps him go to sea, and he works hard as a midshipman, a young officer in training, sailing to many faraway places.
After seven years apart, William comes to Mansfield Park. He tells thrilling stories of storms and battles, and Sir Thomas admires his courage. He brings Fanny an amber cross from Sicily, and Sir Thomas gives a ball for the two of them. William worries that he will never be promoted, but Henry Crawford asks his uncle the admiral for help, and William is made a lieutenant.
William then takes Fanny with him to Portsmouth on his way to join his ship, the Thrush. At the end of the book, Sir Thomas is proud of William’s good conduct and rising fame in the navy.
“No, Fanny, that I do not. I shall have enough of Portsmouth and of dancing too, when I cannot have you.”
A moment to remember
Home on leave in his smart blue uniform, William shouts, “Fanny! My dear little Fanny!” and spins his sister around in a laughing hug.
Family and friends
- Fanny Price: beloved younger sister
- Henry Crawford: gentleman who helps him get promoted
- Edmund Bertram: cousin
Talk about it
William and Fanny loved each other even when they were far apart. How do you stay close to someone you miss?
Questions about William Price
- What does William Price do?
- William is a sailor in the Royal Navy. He starts as a midshipman and is promoted to lieutenant during the story.
- What gift does William give Fanny?
- He gives her an amber cross that he bought in Sicily. He could not afford a chain, so Edmund gives Fanny a gold chain to wear it on.
- How does William become a lieutenant?
- Henry Crawford takes him to meet his uncle, Admiral Crawford, who uses his influence to get William promoted.
Read the story in
Mansfield Park
Ages 6–9, 72 pages
