Emma · Character

Harriet Smith

A sweet-natured boarding-school girl of uncertain parentage whose pliability makes her the perfect, and perfectly dangerous, canvas for Emma's matchmaking ambitions.

major

Also known as Miss Smith, Harriet, poor Harriet, Dear Harriet

First appearance: ii

As a major figure in Emma, Harriet Smith is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Harriet is introduced as a pretty, sweet-natured girl of seventeen, a parlour-boarder at Mrs.

In the storyChapter IIIOpen this moment free

See Harriet Smith in Chapter III Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In Chapter III: Harriet is introduced as a pretty, sweet-natured girl of seventeen, a parlour-boarder at Mrs. Goddard's school, who becomes…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Harriet Smith sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Harriet Smith in ii

Character Web

26 connections

A slice of how Harriet Smith sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Romantic
Other

Character groups

Central Highbury Society
Secondary and Peripheral Characters
Protagonist

+21 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, Emma reaches the emotional peak of self-awareness by confronting the discrepancy between her…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Emma Woodhouse
friendship · ambivalent
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation… How this plays out →
Mr. Knightley
friendship · positive
Mr. Elton
romantic · negative
Robert Martin
romantic · positive
Mrs. Elton
social · negative
Emma Woodhouse
friendship · ambivalent
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation… How this plays out →
Emma Woodhouse
friendship · ambivalent
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation… How this plays out →
Mr. Knightley
friendship · positive
Mr. Elton
romantic · negative
Mr. Elton
romantic · negative
Robert Martin
romantic · positive
Mrs. Elton
social · negative

Emma Woodhouse
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache.
Mr. Knightley
Harriet admires Mr. Knightley from afar, but he sees her only as a kind acquaintance and later encourages her match with Robert Martin.
Mr. Elton
Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing.
Robert Martin
Harriet initially rejects Robert Martin due to Emma's influence, but later realizes her true feelings and marries him.
Mrs. Elton
Mrs. Elton patronizes Harriet, treating her as a social inferior and attempting to control her.
Emma Woodhouse
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache.
Emma Woodhouse
Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache.
Mr. Knightley
Harriet admires Mr. Knightley from afar, but he sees her only as a kind acquaintance and later encourages her match with Robert Martin.
Mr. Elton
Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing.
Mr. Elton
Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing.
Robert Martin
Harriet initially rejects Robert Martin due to Emma's influence, but later realizes her true feelings and marries him.
Mrs. Elton
Mrs. Elton patronizes Harriet, treating her as a social inferior and attempting to control her.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Harriet Smith in ii

In the story

Harriet Smith appears across 35 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Harriet is introduced as a pretty, sweet-natured girl of seventeen, a parlour-boarder at Mrs. Goddard's school, who becomes the object of Emma's patronage.
IV
Harriet is described as sweet, docile, and grateful, with a simple nature; she speaks fondly of Robert Martin and his family.
V
The subject of debate: Mr. Knightley views her as a flattering, ignorant companion who will not improve Emma, while Mrs. Weston sees her as a positive influence.
Chapter VI
Harriet is the subject of the portrait, shy and flattered by the attention from Emma and Mr. Elton.
Chapter VII
Receives a marriage proposal from Robert Martin and, after being influenced by Emma, decides to refuse it.
Chapter VIII
Returns from Mrs. Goddard's in good spirits, eager to share gossip about Mr. Elton's mysterious trip to London.
Chapter IX
Delighted by Mr. Elton's charade, which she believes is addressed to her, and eagerly accepts Emma's interpretation.
Chapter X
Accompanies Emma on a charitable visit, shows interest in the vicarage, and expresses wonder that Emma is not married.
Chapter XIII
Ill with a severe cold and sore throat, unable to attend the dinner at Randalls.
Chapter XV
Harriet is the subject of Mr. Elton's feigned concern, though he admits he never thought seriously of her.
Chapter XVI
Emma worries about Harriet's heartbreak and the awkwardness of future interactions.
Chapter XVII
Grieves artlessly over Mr. Elton's rejection; shows ingenuousness and lowly opinion of herself, earning Emma's admiration.
XIX
Harriet accompanies Emma to the Bateses and is largely silent, with Emma speaking for her to prevent her from having to comment on Mr. Elton.
Chapter XXI
Harriet is initially stunned by the news of Mr. Elton's engagement but gradually recovers her interest in the matter.
Chapter XXII
Harriet is still in love with Mr. Elton, frequently glimpsing him and hearing about him, and struggles with her feelings.
Chapter XXIII
Visits the Martins and is emotionally affected by the encounter, recalling past happiness.
XXVI
Harriet is introduced to Frank Churchill by Emma, and she naively compares him to Mr. Elton, which irritates Emma.
Chapter XXVII
Accompanies Emma to Ford's, praises Emma's playing, mentions Mr. Martin dining with the Coxes, and deliberates over purchases.
Chapter XXXI
Harriet is anxious and restless about Mr. Elton's approaching wedding; Emma consoles her and appeals to her affection to help her regain composure.
XXXII
Accompanies Emma to visit Mrs. Elton, behaves well despite the awkwardness, and expresses admiration for the bride.
Chapter XXXIII
Harriet is treated sneeringly and negligently by Mr. and Mrs. Elton, which Emma hopes will cure her attachment.
Chapter XXXIV
Declines Emma's dinner invitation to avoid seeing Mr. Elton and his wife, showing fortitude.
Chapter XXXVIII
Harriet is left without a partner for the last two dances before supper, causing Emma concern.
XXXIX
Faints from terror after being accosted by gypsies; rescued by Frank Churchill and brought to Hartfield.
XL
Confesses to Emma that she has overcome her feelings for Mr. Elton and burns the keepsakes she had treasured, showing a new rationality and resolution never to marry.
Chapter XLI
Harriet is present during the word game and eagerly participates.
Chapter XLII
Walks with Mr. Knightley, listening to his agricultural talk, and shows no emotion about Robert Martin.
XLIII
Goes to Box Hill with Emma; is described as fagged and silent on the drive home.
Chapter XLV
Present at Hartfield, behaves with self-command regarding Mrs. Churchill's death and its implications for Frank Churchill.
Chapter XLVII
Harriet reveals her love for Mr. Knightley, believing his attentions indicate mutual affection, and shares details of his kindness and interest in her.
XLVIII
Harriet is the rival Emma fears; Emma writes to her to avoid further confidential discussions about Mr. Knightley.
LI
Emma reflects on Harriet's unrequited love for Mr. Knightley and the necessity of keeping her at a distance from the future family party.
LII
Sent to London under the pretext of visiting a dentist, to avoid meeting Emma after the revelation of her feelings for Mr. Knightley.
LIV
Accepts Robert Martin's proposal, as reported by Mr. Knightley.
Chapter LV
Harriet confesses her former self-deception and joyfully embraces her love for Robert Martin, detailing their time together. She marries Robert Martin by the end of September.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Harriet Smith unlock in the free preview.

See Harriet Smith in ii

See Harriet Smith in Chapter III