Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is a tale of two sisters navigating love, society, and heartbreak. Published in 1811, it remains a timeless exploration of emotion and logic — sense and sensibility — captured through a cast of complex, memorable characters. This guide delves into the personalities, motivations, and transformations of the novel’s characters.
1. Elinor Dashwood – The Embodiment of Sense
Overview
Elinor, the elder Dashwood sister, is the voice of reason in the novel. At 19 years old, she displays a maturity beyond her years. Her calm demeanor and ability to keep her emotions in check are traits Austen uses to represent “sense.”
Character Traits
- Practical
- Rational
- Compassionate
- Reserved
Role in the Novel
Elinor serves as the stabilizing force of the Dashwood family after their father’s death. While she quietly suffers her own emotional turmoil over Edward Ferrars, she never lets her feelings compromise her duty to her family.
Relationships
- Edward Ferrars: Elinor’s romantic interest. Their relationship is a slow burn full of misunderstanding and concealed emotion.
- Marianne Dashwood: Her sister, a foil to her own character. Elinor’s sense contrasts with Marianne’s sensibility.
Character Growth
Though Elinor begins the novel with her feelings guarded, by the end, she learns to open up emotionally and finds happiness without compromising her values.
2. Marianne Dashwood – The Portrait of Sensibility
Overview
At 16, Marianne is passionate, impulsive, and romantic. She wears her heart on her sleeve and often mocks Elinor’s restraint.
Character Traits
- Emotional
- Idealistic
- Artistic
- Outspoken
Role in the Novel
Marianne represents “sensibility.” Her journey is marked by emotional highs and lows, from falling madly in love with John Willoughby to facing the pain of betrayal.
Relationships
- John Willoughby: Her first love. His betrayal is a pivotal moment in her development.
- Colonel Brandon: A mature, steady suitor who eventually wins her heart after she learns the value of true love and loyalty.
- Elinor Dashwood: Her older sister and moral anchor.
Character Growth
Marianne matures significantly after her heartbreak. She learns to temper her emotions and grows to appreciate the steadfastness of Colonel Brandon, aligning her more with Elinor’s rational approach.
3. Edward Ferrars – The Reserved Suitor
Overview
Edward is a kind but timid man who struggles with his obligations. Though he loves Elinor, he is secretly engaged to another woman for most of the novel.
Character Traits
- Gentle
- Honest
- Shy
- Dutiful
Role in the Novel
Edward’s internal conflict between duty and love is central to the theme of personal integrity. He is an example of how societal expectations can burden individuals.
Relationships
- Elinor Dashwood: His true love. Their relationship is constrained by his secret engagement.
- Lucy Steele: His secret fiancée, engaged to him since his youth due to a promise.
Character Arc
Though initially passive, Edward ultimately takes control of his destiny, breaking off the engagement with Lucy and marrying Elinor.
4. Colonel Christopher Brandon – The Silent Romantic
Overview
Colonel Brandon is the older, more experienced suitor of Marianne. At 35, he is seen as too old and dull by her at first, but his loyalty and quiet strength win her over.
Character Traits
- Loyal
- Kind
- Reserved
- Generous
Role in the Novel
Colonel Brandon symbolizes mature love. His past adds depth to his character, particularly his tragic love for Eliza, a woman he was forbidden to marry.
Relationships
- Marianne Dashwood: He admires her from a distance and proves his devotion through selfless acts.
- Eliza Williams: A ward he cares for, representing his earlier heartbreak and sense of responsibility.
Character Arc
His constancy pays off when Marianne recognizes his worth and agrees to marry him, showing her emotional growth.
5. John Willoughby – The Charismatic Villain
Overview
Willoughby is charming, dashing, and full of energy. He captures Marianne’s heart but ultimately reveals himself to be selfish and opportunistic.
Character Traits
- Flirtatious
- Self-centered
- Romantic (on the surface)
- Inconstant
Role in the Novel
Willoughby is the catalyst for Marianne’s emotional turmoil. His betrayal forces her to reevaluate her values.
Relationships
- Marianne Dashwood: His passionate but ultimately doomed romance.
- Sophia Grey: The wealthy woman he marries for financial gain.
Character Arc
Willoughby never finds redemption. His regret at losing Marianne is genuine, but Austen shows that charm without character is meaningless.
6. Mrs. Dashwood – The Grieving Mother
Overview
Mrs. Dashwood is a widow left with little financial support after her husband’s death. She shares Marianne’s emotional temperament.
Character Traits
- Emotional
- Proud
- Loving
- Generous
Role in the Novel
She supports her daughters while also indulging Marianne’s sensibility. Her belief in love over money often puts her at odds with practical realities.
Relationships
- Elinor: She trusts her but sometimes fails to see Elinor’s emotional sacrifices.
- Marianne: She encourages her daughter’s emotional openness.
7. John Dashwood – The Selfish Half-Brother
Overview
Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret’s half-brother. Although he promises to support his sisters after their father’s death, he allows his wife to dissuade him.
Character Traits
- Weak-willed
- Greedy
- Easily influenced
Role in the Novel
He represents how societal greed and male inheritance laws can hurt women. His failure to help his family sets the story in motion.
8. Fanny Dashwood – The Manipulative Sister-in-Law
Overview
John Dashwood’s wife and the antagonist who ensures the Dashwood women are left with almost nothing.
Character Traits
- Controlling
- Snobbish
- Cold
- Self-interested
Role in the Novel
Fanny is a representation of class arrogance and manipulation. She talks her husband out of generosity, showcasing Austen’s critique of the upper class.
9. Lucy Steele – The Scheming Fiancée
Overview
Lucy is cunning and ambitious. She’s secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars but hides it from most people, especially Elinor.
Character Traits
- Deceptive
- Ambitious
- Manipulative
- Socially clever
Role in the Novel
Lucy serves as a foil to Elinor. She uses flattery and secrets to climb socially, eventually abandoning Edward when his fortune is cut off in favor of marrying his brother.
10. Robert Ferrars – The Shallow Brother
Overview
Edward’s younger brother, vain and materialistic. He ends up marrying Lucy Steele.
Character Traits
- Superficial
- Arrogant
- Talkative
Role in the Novel
Robert provides a humorous look at the shallowness of certain members of the upper class. His sudden marriage to Lucy shows her opportunistic nature.
11. Margaret Dashwood – The Youngest Dashwood Sister
Overview
The youngest Dashwood sibling, around 13 years old. Margaret has less prominence in the story but reflects the innocence and naivety of youth.
Character Traits
- Curious
- Energetic
- Naive
Role in the Novel
She adds lightness and hope to the Dashwood family dynamic.
12. Sir John Middleton – The Jolly Host
Overview
A kind-hearted, talkative relative who offers the Dashwoods a home at Barton Cottage.
Character Traits
- Hospitable
- Friendly
- Sociable
Role in the Novel
Sir John provides comic relief and contrasts with more calculating characters. He’s always looking to match people up and promote merriment.
13. Lady Middleton – The Polished Mother
Overview
Sir John’s wife, more concerned with appearances and etiquette than with genuine emotion.
Character Traits
- Cold
- Shallow
- Class-conscious
Role in the Novel
Austen uses Lady Middleton to satirize those who prioritize social manners over substance.
14. Mrs. Jennings – The Meddling Matchmaker
Overview
Lady Middleton’s mother, a wealthy widow who enjoys matchmaking and gossip.
Character Traits
- Nosy
- Cheerful
- Kind-hearted
Role in the Novel
Initially irritating, Mrs. Jennings shows genuine care for the Dashwood sisters and plays a crucial role in their journey to London.
15. Minor Characters (Briefly Noted)
- Charlotte Palmer: Mrs. Jennings’s daughter, silly and good-natured.
- Mr. Palmer: Her husband, sarcastic and withdrawn, provides comic contrast.
- Miss Grey: Willoughby’s rich wife, never seen in depth but central to his decision to abandon Marianne.
- Mrs. Ferrars: The controlling mother of Edward and Robert, obsessed with status.
- Mr. Pratt: Lucy Steele’s uncle, important in Edward’s education.
- Eliza Williams: Colonel Brandon’s ward and the tragic victim of Willoughby’s seduction.
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Emotion and Morality
Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is more than just a romance — it’s a masterclass in character development and thematic depth. Through a diverse cast, Austen examines the balance between emotion and logic, love and responsibility, status and integrity. Each character plays a role in challenging or reinforcing the values of their time, making this novel eternally relevant.
