Mansfield Park: Character Guide & Analysis
Main Characters
Fanny Price
The protagonist of the story. Fanny is a kind, modest, and beautiful young woman who is taken in by her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams. She faces mistreatment and struggles with her feelings for Edmund while navigating the complexities of social expectations and her own moral compass.
Sir Thomas Bertram
Fanny’s wealthy and authoritarian uncle. He owns slaves and is initially strict with his children. He eventually recognizes his flaws and becomes a more supportive figure for Fanny.
Lady Bertram
Fanny’s aunt, known for her neuroticism, laziness, and superficiality. Despite her flaws, she develops a genuine affection for Fanny.
Edmund Bertram
Fanny’s close companion and the younger son of the Bertrams. He is kind-hearted and plans to become a clergyman. He falls for Mary Crawford, creating conflict in his relationship with Fanny.
Other Important Characters
Maria Bertram
The vain and pretentious older daughter of the Bertrams. She marries Rushworth for his wealth but later elopes with Henry Crawford.
Julia Bertram
The younger Bertram daughter, who follows in Maria’s footsteps and eventually elopes with Yates.
Tom Bertram
The irresponsible older son and heir to Mansfield Park. His reckless lifestyle leads to health problems and financial difficulties.
Mrs. Norris
Fanny’s cruel and officious aunt, who constantly reminds her of her lower social standing.
Mary Crawford
A beautiful and charming but ultimately shallow and manipulative woman who befriends Fanny and attracts Edmund’s attention.
Henry Crawford
Mary’s equally charming and amoral brother. He pursues Maria and later proposes to Fanny, but his true intentions are questionable.
William Price
Fanny’s beloved brother, who serves in the Navy and represents a positive influence in her life.
Rushworth
Maria’s wealthy but foolish husband, who provides comic relief in the story.
Susan Price
Fanny’s younger sister, who eventually joins her at Mansfield Park and becomes a favorite of the Bertrams.
Yates
Tom Bertram’s friend, who instigates the amateur theatricals and later elopes with Julia.
Key Themes and Concepts
- Direct Speech: The use of quotation marks to indicate the exact words spoken by characters.
- Dialogue: The conversations between characters in a story.
- Characterization: The way authors develop and portray their characters.
- Critical Responses: Analyzing and evaluating a text based on evidence and arguments.
- Empathic Responses: Understanding and connecting with the emotions and experiences of characters.