# Harriet Smith — Emma character guide > Harriet Smith in Emma by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Smith, Harriet, poor Harriet, Dear Harriet **First appearance:** 0003-ii ## Who they are A sweet-natured boarding-school girl of uncertain parentage whose pliability makes her the perfect, and perfectly dangerous, canvas for Emma's matchmaking ambitions. ## Relationships ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _friendship_ Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _friendship_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_elton) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Robert Martin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/robert_martin) _romantic_ Harriet initially rejects Robert Martin due to Emma's influence, but later realizes her true feelings and marries him. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _social_ Mrs. Elton patronizes Harriet, treating her as a social inferior and attempting to control her. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _friendship_ Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _friendship_ Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a protégée and friend, though her manipulation causes Harriet heartache. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _friendship_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_elton) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Mr. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_elton) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Robert Martin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/robert_martin) _romantic_ Harriet initially rejects Robert Martin due to Emma's influence, but later realizes her true feelings and marries him. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _social_ Mrs. Elton patronizes Harriet, treating her as a social inferior and attempting to control her. ## In the story ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/iv) Harriet is described as sweet, docile, and grateful, with a simple nature; she speaks fondly of Robert Martin and his family. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vi) Harriet is the subject of the portrait, shy and flattered by the attention from Emma and Mr. Elton. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vii) Receives a marriage proposal from Robert Martin and, after being influenced by Emma, decides to refuse it. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/viii) Returns from Mrs. Goddard's in good spirits, eager to share gossip about Mr. Elton's mysterious trip to London. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ix) Delighted by Mr. Elton's charade, which she believes is addressed to her, and eagerly accepts Emma's interpretation. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/x) Accompanies Emma on a charitable visit, shows interest in the vicarage, and expresses wonder that Emma is not married. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiii) Ill with a severe cold and sore throat, unable to attend the dinner at Randalls. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xv) Harriet is the subject of Mr. Elton's feigned concern, though he admits he never thought seriously of her. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvi) Emma worries about Harriet's heartbreak and the awkwardness of future interactions. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvii) Grieves artlessly over Mr. Elton's rejection; shows ingenuousness and lowly opinion of herself, earning Emma's admiration. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxi) Harriet is initially stunned by the news of Mr. Elton's engagement but gradually recovers her interest in the matter. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxii) Harriet is still in love with Mr. Elton, frequently glimpsing him and hearing about him, and struggles with her feelings. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxiii) Visits the Martins and is emotionally affected by the encounter, recalling past happiness. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvi) Harriet is introduced to Frank Churchill by Emma, and she naively compares him to Mr. Elton, which irritates Emma. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvii) Accompanies Emma to Ford's, praises Emma's playing, mentions Mr. Martin dining with the Coxes, and deliberates over purchases. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxii) Accompanies Emma to visit Mrs. Elton, behaves well despite the awkwardness, and expresses admiration for the bride. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiii) Harriet is treated sneeringly and negligently by Mr. and Mrs. Elton, which Emma hopes will cure her attachment. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiv) Declines Emma's dinner invitation to avoid seeing Mr. Elton and his wife, showing fortitude. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxviii) Harriet is left without a partner for the last two dances before supper, causing Emma concern. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxix) Faints from terror after being accosted by gypsies; rescued by Frank Churchill and brought to Hartfield. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xli) Harriet is present during the word game and eagerly participates. ### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlii) Walks with Mr. Knightley, listening to his agricultural talk, and shows no emotion about Robert Martin. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xliii) Goes to Box Hill with Emma; is described as fagged and silent on the drive home. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlv) Present at Hartfield, behaves with self-command regarding Mrs. Churchill's death and its implications for Frank Churchill. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlviii) Harriet is the rival Emma fears; Emma writes to her to avoid further confidential discussions about Mr. Knightley. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liv) Accepts Robert Martin's proposal, as reported by Mr. Knightley. ### [Chapter LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/harriet_smith - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters