Elinor Dashwood
The elder sister, emotionally disciplined, observant, and burdened with confidences she cannot reveal.
Marianne Dashwood
The younger sister, devoted to emotional sincerity but initially careless of proportion and social evidence.
Edward Ferrars
Elinor's beloved, trapped by an imprudent secret engagement and his mother's control.
Colonel Brandon
A reserved veteran whose history with Eliza shapes his protection of Marianne and his ward.
John Willoughby
Marianne's charming first love, capable of genuine feeling but governed by appetite, cowardice, and money.
Lucy Steele
Edward's secret fiancée, strategically confiding in Elinor while seeking a financially secure marriage.
Mrs. Jennings
A comic matchmaker whose intrusive curiosity coexists with generous practical care.
John and Fanny Dashwood
The wealthy relatives whose self-justifying selfishness begins the sisters' displacement.
Sir John and Lady Middleton
The Dashwoods' hospitable landlord and his socially polished, emotionally cool wife.