Agnes Grey · Character

Edward Weston

A curate whose plain sincerity and unclouded truthfulness make him a quiet rebuke to the vanity and self-interest around him.

major

Also known as Mr. Weston, the beautiful Mr. Weston, Maister Weston, Maister Weston—Maister Weston, Edward

First appearance: X: The Church

As a major figure in Agnes Grey, Edward Weston is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the new curate, described by Rosalie as an 'insensate, ugly, stupid blockhead.'

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Mr. Weston is a clergyman of modest means whose earnest simplicity and genuine care for his parishioners set him apart from the pompous Mr. Hatfield. Agnes observes him with growing admiration, drawn to his unaffected goodness and the respect he commands without seeking it. His presence offers the novel its moral center — a reminder that worth is measured by character rather than rank — and his departure from Horton leaves Agnes grappling with feelings she can scarcely name.

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See Edward Weston in X: The Church

Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Social
Rivalry

Character groups

Moral and social contrasts
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Agnes articulates a profound shift from passiv…

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Relationships

Agnes Grey
romantic · positive
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic… How this plays out →
Nancy Brown
friendship · positive
Rosalie Murray
social · ambivalent
Thomas Ashby
social · negative
Mr. Hatfield
rivalry · negative
Agnes Grey
romantic · positive
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic… How this plays out →
Agnes Grey
romantic · positive
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic… How this plays out →
Nancy Brown
friendship · positive
Thomas Ashby
social · negative
Mr. Hatfield
rivalry · negative
Nancy Brown
friendship · positive
Rosalie Murray
social · ambivalent

Agnes Grey
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.
Nancy Brown
Edward Weston shows genuine pastoral care and kindness to the poor, elderly Nancy Brown, helping her spiritually and practically.
Rosalie Murray
Rosalie flirts with Edward Weston out of vanity and boredom, but he remains politely indifferent and morally upright.
Thomas Ashby
Edward Weston and Thomas Ashby are acquaintances in the local gentry, with Weston disapproving of Ashby's immoral lifestyle.
Mr. Hatfield
Edward Weston and Mr. Hatfield are rival clergymen, with Weston's sincere piety contrasting sharply with Hatfield's hypocrisy.
Agnes Grey
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.
Agnes Grey
Agnes and Edward develop a deep, mutual affection and respect, culminating in a romantic union.
Nancy Brown
Edward Weston shows genuine pastoral care and kindness to the poor, elderly Nancy Brown, helping her spiritually and practically.
Thomas Ashby
Edward Weston and Thomas Ashby are acquaintances in the local gentry, with Weston disapproving of Ashby's immoral lifestyle.
Mr. Hatfield
Edward Weston and Mr. Hatfield are rival clergymen, with Weston's sincere piety contrasting sharply with Hatfield's hypocrisy.
Nancy Brown
Edward Weston shows genuine pastoral care and kindness to the poor, elderly Nancy Brown, helping her spiritually and practically.
Rosalie Murray
Rosalie flirts with Edward Weston out of vanity and boredom, but he remains politely indifferent and morally upright.

Relationship notes

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See Edward Weston in X: The Church

In the story

Edward Weston appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Ball
Mentioned as the new curate, described by Rosalie as an 'insensate, ugly, stupid blockhead.'
X: The Church
Mr. Weston is introduced as the new curate; Agnes approves of his earnest, clear preaching and sincere manner, contrasting him with Mr. Hatfield.
XI: The Cottagers
The new parson; praised by cottagers for his genuine kindness, practical help, and heartfelt sermons.
XII: The Shower
Rescues Nancy's cat from the gamekeeper, visits the cottage, and has a polite exchange with Agnes.
XIV: The Rector
Mr. Weston meets Agnes after her visit to Mark Wood, inquires about the sick man, makes sensible remarks, and departs, leaving a strong impression on Agnes.
XV: The Walk
Approaches Agnes and engages her in a sincere discussion; later is drawn into conversation by Rosalie, who flirts with him.
The Substitution
Mr. Weston is the object of both Rosalie's flirtation and Agnes's quiet affection; he offers Agnes his umbrella and shares a meaningful smile with her.
Confessions
Mr. Weston is the object of Agnes's secret affection; she reflects on his excellence and her unspoken love.
Mirth and Mourning
Agnes sees him on Sunday and finds him unchanged in manner and speech; he does not join Agnes and Matilda after church.
XX: The Farewell
Shows sincere sympathy for Agnes's loss, inquires about her mother, and accompanies her partway to the park; bids her a meaningful goodbye at church.
XXI: The School
Agnes thinks of him constantly, recalling his words and gestures, but he does not write or visit.
The Visit
Has left Horton about a month ago; Agnes inquires about him but learns little.
The Sands
Mr. Weston meets Agnes on the sands with her dog Snap; he has obtained the living of F⸺ and expresses a wish to visit her mother.
Conclusion
Proposes to Agnes; becomes her husband and a devoted pastor, husband, and father.

Chapter companion notes

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See Edward Weston in X: The Church

See Edward Weston in The Ball