# Sir John Coventry — Behind a Mask character guide

> Sir John Coventry in Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gallant Sir John, Good Sir John, Dear Sir John, John Coventry

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

## Who they are

The elderly baronet of Coventry Hall, generous and honorable, whose loneliness makes him easy prey for a girl who knows how to weep over portraits.

## Relationships

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

_psychological_

Jean Muir plays the role of a devoted governess to Sir John while secretly plotting to win his heart and inheritance.

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

_family_

Mr. Coventry is Sir John's nephew and heir, with a respectful but distant relationship.

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

_family_

Bella is Sir John's granddaughter, and he indulges her with affection and gifts.

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

_family_

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

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

_psychological_

Jean Muir plays the role of a devoted governess to Sir John while secretly plotting to win his heart and inheritance.

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

_psychological_

Jean Muir plays the role of a devoted governess to Sir John while secretly plotting to win his heart and inheritance.

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

_family_

Mr. Coventry is Sir John's nephew and heir, with a respectful but distant relationship.

### [Ned Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/ned_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 Sir John's nephew and heir, with a respectful but distant relationship.

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

_family_

Bella is Sir John's granddaughter, and he indulges her with affection and gifts.

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

_family_

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

## In the story

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

Meets Jean Muir in the garden, is charmed by her, but his manner cools slightly upon learning she is the governess.

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

Sir John is charmed by Jean's respectful deference and graceful attentions, and often joins the gatherings in Bella's study.

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

Jean reads to him nearly every evening at the Hall.

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

Hosts the party and is delighted to have young people at the Hall, though he does not directly participate in the tableaux.

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

Falls for Jean's act, feeling flattered and rejuvenated, and ultimately confesses his love after witnessing her apparent devotion to his portrait.

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

Delayed in town, arrives at the station looking grave and pale; marries Jean with eagerness.

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

Defends Jean against accusations and announces their marriage, choosing to remain blind to her past.

## Links

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