Agnes Grey

Edward Weston

Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.

Mr. Hatfield

Mr. Hatfield is a pompous, hypocritical clergyman who pursues Agnes condescendingly, but she rejects him and sees through his vanity.

Rosalie Murray

Agnes is the governess to Rosalie, a spoiled and flirtatious young woman whom she tries to guide but often finds frustrating.

Thomas Ashby

Agnes knows Thomas Ashby as Rosalie's eventual husband, a wealthy but dissolute and cruel man.

Nancy Brown

Agnes forms a warm, supportive friendship with the humble and devout Nancy Brown, visiting and comforting her.

Mr. Bloomfield

Mr. Bloomfield is Agnes's first employer, a coarse, ill-tempered man who undermines her authority as governess.

Lady Ashby

Agnes meets Lady Ashby as the proud, cold mother of Thomas Ashby, and observes her disdain for those beneath her station.

Mr. Hatfield

Mr. Hatfield is a pompous, hypocritical clergyman who pursues Agnes condescendingly, but she rejects him and sees through his vanity.

Edward Weston

Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.

Edward Weston

Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.

Thomas Ashby

Agnes knows Thomas Ashby as Rosalie's eventual husband, a wealthy but dissolute and cruel man.

Rosalie Murray

Agnes is the governess to Rosalie, a spoiled and flirtatious young woman whom she tries to guide but often finds frustrating.

The Parsonage

Narrator and protagonist; the younger daughter, eager to become a governess and help her family after their financial ruin.

First Lessons in the Art of Instruction

Agnes begins her first day as governess, trying to manage the Bloomfield children and navigate Mrs. Bloomfield's coldness.

A Few More Lessons

Endures the daily trials of teaching the Bloomfield children, striving to maintain patience and integrity despite harsh criticism from Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield.

IV: The Grandmamma

The governess, struggling to control the Bloomfield children and feeling unsupported by their parents.

The Uncle

Narrator and governess, frustrated by Uncle Robson's influence and ultimately dismissed from Wellwood House.

The Parsonage Again

Returns home and decides to seek another governess position to support her family.

VII: Horton Lodge

The governess at Horton Lodge, reflecting on her treatment and the character of her pupils.

VIII: The “Coming Out”

Agnes reads a letter from her sister Mary, announcing her engagement to Mr. Richardson. She defends her sister's choice of a quiet, virtuous life against Rosalie's scorn, and firmly decides to return home for Christmas despite Rosalie's pleas.

The Ball

Returns from her four weeks' recreation and listens to the Murray sisters' accounts of the ball and Matilda's new mare.

X: The Church

Agnes observes and reflects on the clergymen's styles, defending Mr. Weston's sincerity against Rosalie's criticism.

XI: The Cottagers

Narrator and governess; finds solace in visiting cottagers and reflecting on her own moral development.

XII: The Shower

Visits Nancy Brown, reads to her, helps with sewing, and interacts with Mr. Weston.

XIV: The Rector

Agnes is drawing for Rosalie, endures Mrs. Murray's reproaches, runs an errand to Mark Wood, meets Mr. Weston, and learns of Rosalie's refusal of Mr. Hatfield.

XV: The Walk

Accompanies Rosalie on the walk; has a meaningful conversation with Mr. Weston about friendship and reading; feels wronged when Rosalie monopolizes him.

The Substitution

Agnes experiences inward happiness and hope after a brief, intimate exchange with Mr. Weston, despite Rosalie's manipulations.

Confessions

Agnes confesses her deep, secret love for Mr. Weston and her feelings of unworthiness and sorrow.

Mirth and Mourning

Bids farewell to Rosalie after her wedding, visits Nancy Brown, observes Mr. Weston unchanged, and later receives news of her father's death, returning home to find him dead.

The Letter

Agnes supports her mother's plan to open a school and offers her savings to furnish the house.

XX: The Farewell

Narrator; returns to Horton Lodge after her father's death, struggling with grief and unrequited feelings for Mr. Weston; prepares to leave for her mother's new school.

XXI: The School

Agnes leaves Horton Lodge to start a school with her mother, struggles with her feelings for Mr. Weston, and resolves to focus on her duties.

The Visit

Visits Rosalie at Ashby Park; observes Rosalie's unhappiness and altered appearance; inquires about Mr. Weston.

XXIII: The Park

Narrator and visitor at Ashby Park; offers moral counsel to Lady Ashby.

The Sands

Agnes enjoys a solitary morning walk on the sands, reflecting on the beauty of the sea and feeling invigorated.

Conclusion

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on her courtship with Mr. Weston and their marriage.