# Ned Coventry — Behind a Mask character guide

> Ned Coventry in Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Edward, Mr. Ned, Dear old Ned, Edward Coventry

**First appearance:** 0000-i-jean-muir

## Who they are

The warm-hearted elder brother who treats the poor governess with unguarded kindness—and pays for it with a heart he can't get back.

## Relationships

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_psychological_

Jean Muir ensnares Ned Coventry with flirtation and false promises, using him as a pawn in her scheme.

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man.

### [Bella Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/bella_coventry)

_family_

Bella and Ned are siblings who tease each other affectionately but share a close bond.

### [Lucia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lucia)

_social_

Lucia and Ned are polite acquaintances, with Ned occasionally teasing her about her engagement.

### [Lady Sydney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lady_sydney)

_social_

Lady Sydney treats Ned with maternal fondness, viewing him as a charming but reckless young man.

### [Sir John Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/sir_john_coventry)

_family_

Ned is Sir John's grandson, and Sir John views him with affectionate exasperation.

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man.

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_psychological_

Jean Muir ensnares Ned Coventry with flirtation and false promises, using him as a pawn in her scheme.

### [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir)

_psychological_

Jean Muir ensnares Ned Coventry with flirtation and false promises, using him as a pawn in her scheme.

### [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry)

_family_

Mr. Coventry is Ned's older brother and acts as a stern, protective guardian over the impulsive younger man.

### [Sir John Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/sir_john_coventry)

_family_

Ned is Sir John's grandson, and Sir John views him with affectionate exasperation.

### [Lucia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lucia)

_social_

Lucia and Ned are polite acquaintances, with Ned occasionally teasing her about her engagement.

## In the story

### [I: Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/i-jean-muir)

Kind and good-humored; offers civility and sympathy to the new governess.

### [A Good Beginning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/ii-a-good-beginning)

Observes Jean taming Hector, is impressed, and defends her against Gerald's cynicism.

### [III: Passion and Pique](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/iii-passion-and-pique)

Edward falls deeply in love with Jean, but is rejected. In a jealous rage, he attacks Gerald with a knife, wounding him severely. He is overcome with remorse and is later advised by Gerald to leave.

### [IV: A Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/iv-a-discovery)

Leaves home after his commission arrives; trusts Gerald with a significant look before departing.

### [V: How the Girl Did It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/v-how-the-girl-did-it)

Mentioned as the man Jean could marry for protection but does not love; his name is invoked in the conversation between Jean and Gerald.

### [VII: The Last Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/vii-the-last-chance)

Mentioned as one of the young lovers Jean has outrivaled, along with Sydney.

### [Suspense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/viii-suspense)

Falsely reported dead; sends Jean a generous check with no word.

### [Lady Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/chapters/ix-lady-coventry)

Returns with proof of Jean's deceit, reads her letters, and confronts her, but is thwarted when she burns the evidence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/ned_coventry
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters