# Emma Woodhouse — Emma character guide > Emma Woodhouse in Emma by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Emma, Miss Woodhouse, Hartfield, Dear Emma, dearest Emma **First appearance:** 0001-emma ## Who they are Highbury's cleverest heiress, convinced she knows who belongs with whom, and constitutionally unable to leave other people's romances alone. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _romantic_ Emma and Mr. Knightley evolve from friendly rivals and moral guides to lovers, marrying at the novel's end. ### [Harriet Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/harriet_smith) _friendship_ Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _rivalry_ Emma and Mrs. Elton are social rivals, each vying for status and influence in Highbury society. ### [Mr. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_elton) _social_ Emma initially mistakes Mr. Elton's attentions as interest in Harriet, but he actually proposes to Emma, creating awkwardness. ### [Frank Churchill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/frank_churchill) _friendship_ Emma and Frank share a flirtatious friendship, but Frank is secretly engaged to Jane Fairfax, using Emma as a cover. ### [Mr. Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_woodhouse) _family_ Emma is a devoted daughter to her hypochondriac father, managing his anxieties and household. ### [Robert Martin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/robert_martin) _social_ Emma views Robert Martin as a respectable farmer but initially discourages his suit for Harriet due to class prejudice. ### [Colonel Campbell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/colonel_campbell) _social_ Colonel Campbell is a family friend of the Woodhouses, and Emma interacts with him through his connection to Jane Fairfax. ### [Mr. Dixon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_dixon) _social_ Emma mistakenly imagines a romantic intrigue between Mr. Dixon and Jane Fairfax, but he is merely a friend. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _romantic_ Emma and Mr. Knightley evolve from friendly rivals and moral guides to lovers, marrying at the novel's end. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _rivalry_ Emma and Mrs. Elton are social rivals, each vying for status and influence in Highbury society. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _romantic_ Emma and Mr. Knightley evolve from friendly rivals and moral guides to lovers, marrying at the novel's end. ## In the story ### [Emma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/emma) Introduced as handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition. She is indulged by her father and has been mistress of his house since her mother's death. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/i) Proud of having made the match between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston; declares she will continue matchmaking, now targeting Mr. Elton. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as being of no feeble character, with sense, energy, and spirits to bear the loss of Miss Taylor's companionship. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/iii) Emma takes charge of her father's social life and is delighted to meet Harriet Smith, whom she decides to mentor and improve. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/iv) Emma actively cultivates Harriet as a friend, plans to improve her, and resolves to steer her away from Robert Martin toward Mr. Elton. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/v) Discussed at length: Mr. Knightley considers her spoiled by being the cleverest of her family, while Mrs. Weston praises her beauty, health, and character. Her friendship with Harriet is the central topic. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vi) Emma orchestrates Harriet's portrait sittings, confident in her matchmaking and artistic skills, though aware of her own limitations. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vii) Manipulates Harriet into refusing Robert Martin's proposal, prioritizing her own plans for Harriet to marry Mr. Elton. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/viii) Defends her matchmaking and influence over Harriet, dismisses Mr. Knightley's warnings, and feels vindicated by Harriet's news about Mr. Elton. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ix) Persists in her matchmaking plans for Harriet and Mr. Elton, interpreting the charade as proof of Mr. Elton's intentions. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/x) Schemes to throw Harriet and Mr. Elton together, feigns a broken bootlace, and declares her intention never to marry. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xi) Emma observes the arrival of her sister's family and manages her father's anxieties, while also reflecting on Mr. Elton's romantic affairs and defending Mr. Weston against John Knightley's mild criticism. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xii) Reconciles with Mr. Knightley, holding the baby and initiating a friendly exchange. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiii) Dismisses her brother's warning about Mr. Elton's intentions; remains focused on Harriet's illness and the upcoming dinner. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiv) Emma is determined to enjoy her time with the Westons, but is troubled by Mr. Elton's obtrusive attentions and secretly contemplates Frank Churchill as a potential husband. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xv) Emma is initially in good spirits but becomes vexed and offended by Mr. Elton's improper advances, ultimately rejecting him and feeling perturbed. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvi) Deeply mortified by Mr. Elton's proposal, she blames herself for misleading Harriet and resolves to stop matchmaking. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvii) Resolves to be humble and discreet, repressing imagination; confesses her matchmaking error to Harriet and strives to comfort her. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xviii) Feigns disappointment at Frank Churchill's absence and argues with Mr. Knightley in his defense, though she is not genuinely interested in Frank at this time. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xix) Emma visits the Bateses reluctantly, seeking to avoid further talk of Mr. Elton with Harriet, and is trapped into hearing about Jane Fairfax. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xx) Emma struggles with her feelings toward Jane Fairfax, alternating between admiration and suspicion, and is frustrated by Jane's reserve. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxi) Emma informs Harriet of Mr. Elton's engagement and later discusses the evening with Mr. Knightley, defending her view of Jane Fairfax's reserve. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxii) Emma reflects critically on Mr. Elton's engagement and tries to manage Harriet's emotions and social obligations. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxiii) Accompanies Harriet to the Martins, feels the pain of the separation, and later converses with Mr. and Mrs. Weston and Frank Churchill. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxiv) Observes Frank's behavior with Mrs. Weston, forms a favorable judgment of him, and engages in conversation about Jane Fairfax and reserve. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxv) Emma's opinion of Frank Churchill is shaken by his frivolous trip to London; she wrestles with her pride regarding the Coles' invitation and is persuaded to attend. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvi) Emma is the central observer, pleased by Frank Churchill's attentions and Mr. Knightley's arrival, and she reflects on the mystery of Jane Fairfax's pianoforte. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvii) Reflects on her visit to the Coles, regrets her musical inferiority and her indiscretion with Frank Churchill; accompanies Harriet to Ford's and interacts with Miss Bates and the Westons. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxviii) Visits the Bates home with Mrs. Weston; observes Frank Churchill's behavior toward Jane Fairfax with amusement and suspicion. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxix) Attends the planning at the Crown Inn, dismisses the idea of consulting Miss Bates, and is secured for the first two dances by Frank Churchill. ### [Chapter 23](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxx) Disappointed by the ball's cancellation and Frank's departure; begins to suspect she might be in love with Frank. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxi) Emma analyzes her own feelings for Frank Churchill, deciding she is not deeply in love and resolving to refuse him; she also comforts Harriet regarding Mr. Elton's marriage. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxii) Visits Mrs. Elton, forms a negative opinion of her as vain and underbred, and reflects on her own feelings about Frank Churchill. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiii) Emma maintains her dislike of Mrs. Elton, observes Mrs. Elton's treatment of Harriet, and discusses Mr. Knightley's supposed attachment to Jane Fairfax. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiv) Defends Frank Churchill's handwriting, plans a dinner for the Eltons, and resolves to show more attention to Jane Fairfax. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxv) Emma is slighted by Mrs. Elton, who engrosses Jane Fairfax, leaving Emma and Mrs. Weston to talk together or be silent. She later reads Frank Churchill's letter and is agitated, weighing her own feelings. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxvi) Present during the conversation but remains silent, feeling out of spirits and preferring not to talk. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxvii) Reflects on her diminished attachment to Frank Churchill and resolves to avoid encouraging him. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxviii) Emma arrives early at the Crown with Harriet, observes the ball with enjoyment, is disturbed by Mr. Knightley not dancing, and notices Mr. Elton's slight to Harriet. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxix) Feels gratified by her alignment with Mr. Knightley and hopeful about Harriet; quickly spins the gypsy incident into a romantic fantasy for Frank and Harriet. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xl) Listens to Harriet's confession, feels shame about her own past deception regarding the court-plaster, and decides to observe Harriet's new attachment without interference. ### [Chapter XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xli) Emma is engaged in schemes and hopes, dismisses Mr. Knightley's suspicions about Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. ### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlii) Observes the scenery and social dynamics, feels respect for Donwell Abbey, and interacts with Frank Churchill. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xliii) Flirts with Frank Churchill at Box Hill, then is severely reproved by Mr. Knightley for her unkindness to Miss Bates, leading to profound regret. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xliv) Filled with contrition after Box Hill, she visits Miss Bates to begin a kinder intercourse and learns of Jane's governess engagement. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlv) Reflects on her visit to Miss Bates, feels gratified by Mr. Knightley's near-gallantry, and resolves to help Jane Fairfax despite rejection. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlvi) Summoned to Randalls; learns of Frank and Jane's secret engagement; expresses strong disapproval of the deceit. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlvii) Emma is consumed by guilt and self-reproach over her influence on Harriet, realizing she has been a poor friend and caused significant harm. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlviii) Emma is tormented by the possibility of losing Mr. Knightley's affection to Harriet Smith and reflects on her past faults, including her treatment of Jane Fairfax. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlix) Emma is relieved by the news of Frank Churchill's engagement and is surprised by Mr. Knightley's proposal, which she accepts. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/l) Experiences a flutter of happiness after Mr. Knightley's proposal, reads Frank Churchill's letter with relief, and resolves to care for her father and Harriet. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/li) Reads Frank Churchill's letter, agrees to show it to Mr. Knightley, and accepts Mr. Knightley's proposal to marry and live at Hartfield. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lii) Feels relief at Harriet's departure and visits Jane Fairfax, showing goodwill and curiosity about Jane's secret. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liii) Reflects on her past intimacy with Harriet Smith and her concealment from Mr. Knightley; discusses the engagement with him and her father. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liv) Overjoyed by Harriet's acceptance of Robert Martin, reflects on her past mistakes, and feels gratitude toward Mr. Knightley. ### [Chapter LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lv) Emma is relieved to see Harriet cured of her attachment to Mr. Knightley and fully approves of Harriet's marriage to Robert Martin. She also navigates her father's fears to secure her own wedding to Mr. Knightley. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters