# Miss Bates — Emma character guide

> Miss Bates in Emma by Jane Austen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Bates, Bates, Poor Miss Bates

**First appearance:** 0003-ii

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xx)

Jane's aunt, described as tiresome and an eternal talker, whose presence at Hartfield contributes to Emma's renewed irritation.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvii)

Meets Emma and Harriet at Ford's, rambles about Frank Churchill's kindness, Mr. Knightley's apples, and other domestic details.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxviii)

Hosts the gathering; calls out to Mr. Knightley from the window and tries to persuade him to come in.

### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxix)

Invited to the planning meeting; her approval is welcomed, though she is not needed as a counselor.

### [Chapter XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xli)

Miss Bates makes a long speech and accepts Emma's invitation to tea.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lii)

Returns home and shows confused delight, hinting at Jane's prospects and her gratitude to Mrs. Elton.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/miss_bates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters