Northanger Abbey

Main Characters and Their Development

• Catherine Morland - a naive and trusting young girl from the countryside who grows, improves, and gains life experience throughout the events of the novel. As Catherine delves into the world of social intrigues and romantic adventures, she learns to distinguish true feelings from illusions.
• Henry Tilney - a charming, intelligent, and witty young clergyman interested in literature and capable of deep feeling. His interaction with Catherine helps him reveal his best qualities, especially honesty, kindness, and genuine attention to the feelings of others.
• Eleanor Tilney - Henry's sister, an exemplary and sensible young lady who becomes a close friend and mentor to Catherine. Throughout the novel, Eleanor proves to be a symbol of virtue and stability, faithfully adhering to her principles even in the most challenging circumstances.
• John Thorpe - a self-assured and intrusive young man seeking a profitable marriage. His behavior and attitude towards Catherine reflect the known vices of society at the time - boastfulness, superficiality, and selfish interests.
• Isabella Thorpe - a friend of Catherine who initially seems sweet and friendly, but her frivolous nature and selfish motives become apparent later. Her disappointing behavior serves as an important lesson for Catherine that not everyone is worthy of trust.