Persuasion

Main Characters and Their Development

• Anne Elliot — the novel's protagonist, an intelligent, kind, and sensitive woman. At the beginning of the book, she is portrayed as someone who, in her youth, gave up love on the advice of family and friends, but over time she realizes that her feelings for Captain Wentworth have not faded. Her development involves learning to trust her own feelings and make decisions based on her desires rather than the persuasion of others.
• Captain Frederick Wentworth — Anne's former love, who returns to her life after several years. At the start of the novel, he is resentful towards Anne for her rejection, but as the story progresses, his feelings for her are rekindled. He is depicted as an honest, determined, and successful man who, despite past grievances, is capable of forgiving and trusting again.
• Sir Walter Elliot — Anne's father, a vain and superficial man who cares most about his status and appearance. He shows little concern for his daughters and is incapable of deep feelings. His development in the novel is minimal, remaining self-absorbed and egotistical to the end.
• Elizabeth Elliot — Anne's elder sister, an arrogant and selfish woman who, like her father, cares most about social standing and appearance. She remains unchanged throughout the novel, focused on her status.
• Mary Musgrove — Anne's younger sister, a capricious and self-centered woman who constantly complains about her health and demands attention. She does not develop as a character, remaining focused on her petty concerns and problems.
• Lady Russell — a close friend of the Elliot family who once persuaded Anne to reject Captain Wentworth. She is guided by persuasion and social norms, but by the end of the novel, she realizes her advice was mistaken and supports Anne in her decision to follow her heart.
• Charles Musgrove — Mary's husband and Anne's brother-in-law, a good-natured and patient man. He loves his wife but often tires of her constant complaints. His role in the novel is secondary, and he undergoes no significant changes.
• Mr. Elliot — Anne's cousin and the heir to Sir Walter's title. At the beginning of the novel, he appears charming and respectable, but it later becomes clear that his motives are selfish, and he is interested in Anne only to enhance his social standing.