Mansfield Park
Prepared by the Litseller editorial team. Our goal is to share concise, accurate, and valuable book summaries for personal growth and education.
Main Characters and Their Development
- Fanny Price — the main heroine of the novel, a modest and shy girl who grew up in a poor family but was taken in by her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. Despite her timidity, Fanny possesses a strong moral backbone and resilience. She does not succumb to external pressure and maintains her principles, which ultimately leads to her happiness. Throughout the novel, she evolves from an insecure girl to a woman who knows her worth and finds her place in life.
- Edmund Bertram — the younger son of the Bertram family, a kind and honest young man who becomes a close friend and protector of Fanny. He aspires to become a clergyman and adheres to strict moral principles. At the beginning of the novel, he is infatuated with Mary Crawford but gradually realizes that his true love is Fanny, who has always been there to support him.
- Mary Crawford — a beautiful and charming woman who arrives at Mansfield Park with her brother Henry. She is intelligent and witty, but her views on life and moral principles differ greatly from those of Edmund and Fanny. Mary tries to win Edmund's heart, but her frivolous attitude towards important matters and lack of moral fortitude ultimately repel him.
- Henry Crawford — Mary's brother, a charming and charismatic man who attempts to win Fanny's heart. Despite his attractiveness and charm, Henry lacks moral fortitude and is prone to frivolous actions. Ultimately, his attempts to seduce a married woman lead to his downfall in the eyes of Fanny and other characters.
- Tom Bertram — the eldest son of the Bertram family, a frivolous and irresponsible young man who spends his time and money on entertainment. His reckless behavior leads to a severe illness, prompting him to reassess his priorities and take life more seriously.
- Sir Thomas Bertram — the head of the Bertram family, a strict and authoritative man who manages Mansfield Park. At the beginning of the novel, he appears cold and distant, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he cares for his family and wishes them well. His attitude towards Fanny changes from indifference to recognition of her merits.
- Lady Bertram — the wife of Sir Thomas, a lazy and indifferent person who spends most of her time on the sofa with her dogs. She shows little interest in raising her children or life in general, relying on others to handle all matters.
- Mrs. Norris — Lady Bertram's sister and Fanny's aunt, a domineering and selfish woman who constantly belittles Fanny and tries to control everyone around her. She is hypocritical and always seeks personal gain under the guise of caring for others.

Date of publication: 10 October 2024
———Mansfield Park
Author:
Genre: Classical literature