Emma · Character

Miss Bates

A kind, endlessly talking spinster whose cheerful torrents of gratitude and news make her both a fixture of Highbury and an easy target for Emma's wit.

supporting

Also known as Miss Bates, Bates, Poor Miss Bates

First appearance: ii

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In Chapter III: Miss Bates is described as a universally beloved, talkative woman who lives with her elderly mother and is a frequent visitor at Hartfield. Later, in XIX: Miss Bates is the talkative hostess who eagerly…

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See Miss Bates in ii

Character Web

3 connections

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Character groups

Secondary and Peripheral Characters
Protagonist
Central Highbury Society

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Miss Bates appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Miss Bates is described as a universally beloved, talkative woman who lives with her elderly mother and is a frequent visitor at Hartfield.
XIX
Miss Bates is the talkative hostess who eagerly shares details of Jane Fairfax's letter and her impending visit, overwhelming Emma with information.
Chapter XX
Jane's aunt, described as tiresome and an eternal talker, whose presence at Hartfield contributes to Emma's renewed irritation.
Chapter XXI
Miss Bates chatters enthusiastically about the news of Mr. Elton's engagement and about various other topics, including Colonel Campbell and Mr. Dixon.
Chapter XXIV
Mentioned as the 'talking aunt' during Frank's visit to the Bateses, where he was detained for nearly three-quarters of an hour.
Chapter XXVII
Meets Emma and Harriet at Ford's, rambles about Frank Churchill's kindness, Mr. Knightley's apples, and other domestic details.
XXVIII
Hosts the gathering; calls out to Mr. Knightley from the window and tries to persuade him to come in.
Chapter XXIX
Invited to the planning meeting; her approval is welcomed, though she is not needed as a counselor.
Chapter XLI
Miss Bates makes a long speech and accepts Emma's invitation to tea.
XLIII
The target of Emma's unfeeling wit; Mr. Knightley reports that she spoke of Emma's forbearance with candor and generosity after the insult.
Chapter XLIV
Receives Emma's visit with less cheerfulness than usual; shares news of Jane's acceptance of the governess position and Frank Churchill's departure.
LII
Returns home and shows confused delight, hinting at Jane's prospects and her gratitude to Mrs. Elton.

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See Miss Bates in ii