# Mr. Elton — Emma character guide > Mr. Elton in Emma by Jane Austen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Elton, Poor Mr. Elton, Mr. Elton **First appearance:** 0003-ii ## Who they are Highbury's agreeable young vicar, whose smooth manners and ambitious eye make him a puzzle Emma believes she has already solved. ## Relationships ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _social_ Emma initially mistakes Mr. Elton's attentions as interest in Harriet, but he actually proposes to Emma, creating awkwardness. ### [Harriet Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/harriet_smith) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Elton are a married couple, with Mrs. Elton domineering and Mr. Elton sycophantic. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _social_ Mr. Elton and Mr. Knightley are acquaintances with mutual respect, though Knightley disapproves of Elton's snobbery. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _social_ Emma initially mistakes Mr. Elton's attentions as interest in Harriet, but he actually proposes to Emma, creating awkwardness. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _social_ Emma initially mistakes Mr. Elton's attentions as interest in Harriet, but he actually proposes to Emma, creating awkwardness. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Elton are a married couple, with Mrs. Elton domineering and Mr. Elton sycophantic. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _social_ Mr. Elton and Mr. Knightley are acquaintances with mutual respect, though Knightley disapproves of Elton's snobbery. ### [Harriet Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/harriet_smith) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Harriet Smith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/harriet_smith) _romantic_ Harriet develops a crush on Mr. Elton after Emma's encouragement, but he cruelly rejects her due to her low social standing. ### [Mrs. Elton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mrs_elton) _family_ Mr. and Mrs. Elton are a married couple, with Mrs. Elton domineering and Mr. Elton sycophantic. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _social_ Mr. Elton and Mr. Knightley are acquaintances with mutual respect, though Knightley disapproves of Elton's snobbery. ## In the story ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the target of Emma's next matchmaking scheme; described as a pretty and good young man. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/iv) Emma praises Mr. Elton's gentle manners and singles him out as the ideal match for Harriet, believing he will drive Robert Martin from her thoughts. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vi) Mr. Elton is overly attentive during the sittings, praising Emma's work and showing clear romantic interest in Harriet. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned by Emma as a more suitable match for Harriet, though he is not present in the chapter. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/viii) Reported to have gone to London on mysterious business, hinting at a romantic interest, and is the subject of Emma's matchmaking schemes. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ix) Leaves a charade for Harriet, which Emma believes is a declaration of love, though his manner suggests consciousness and a preference for addressing Emma. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/x) Meets Emma and Harriet on the lane, accompanies them, and is delighted to host them at the vicarage but fails to propose. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiii) Shows excessive cheerfulness and attention to Emma; expresses concern for Harriet but quickly shifts focus to the party. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiv) Mr. Elton's behavior toward Emma grows increasingly solicitous and affectionate, leading Emma to suspect he is transferring his affections from Harriet to her. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xv) Mr. Elton reveals his true feelings for Emma, having never intended to court Harriet, and reacts with anger and mortification upon rejection. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvi) Revealed as proud, conceited, and self-interested; his proposal to Emma is seen as presumptuous and insincere. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvii) Sends a ceremonious note announcing his departure for Bath, pointedly excluding Emma from his compliments. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxi) Mr. Elton is reported to be engaged to Miss Hawkins, a development that surprises Emma and the Highbury community. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxii) Mr. Elton returns engaged to Augusta Hawkins, proud and self-satisfied, and dismissive of Emma and Harriet. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxi) Mr. Elton's wedding day is named, and his impending return with his bride becomes the dominant topic in Highbury, causing distress for Harriet. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxii) Present during the visit; Emma reflects on his awkward position as a newlywed. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxviii) Mr. Elton deliberately avoids dancing with Harriet Smith, sauntering about and engaging in conversation with Mrs. Weston instead. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xl) Referenced as the object of Harriet's former infatuation; Harriet now declares him 'so inferior' and burns his mementos. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lii) Arrives hot and tired, complaining that Mr. Knightley was not at Donwell for their meeting. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liii) Dismisses the engagement with a spiteful remark, caring little about it. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_elton - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters