Emma
A sensible man of about thirty-seven, brother of Mr. John Knightley and a close friend of the Woodhouse family. He is the only one who criticizes Emma's faults.
Chapter I
Criticizes Emma's interference in the Weston-Taylor match and her plans for Mr. Elton; the only one who tells Emma of her faults.
IV
Mentioned in passing as having a commanding manner that Emma contrasts with Mr. Elton's gentleness.
V
Expresses strong disapproval of Emma's intimacy with Harriet Smith, arguing it will harm both. Criticizes Emma's lack of steady reading and her vanity, but shows genuine concern for her future.
Chapter VI
Mr. Knightley offers a critical observation that Emma has made Harriet too tall in the portrait.
Chapter VIII
Argues with Emma about Harriet's prospects, criticizes her interference, and warns that Mr. Elton will not make an imprudent match.
Chapter IX
Remains displeased with Emma's behavior and stays away from Hartfield longer than usual.
XII
Dines at Hartfield, reconciles with Emma, discusses farming and legal matters with his brother.
Chapter XVI
Visits Hartfield despite the snow; Emma recalls his earlier accurate warnings about Mr. Elton.
XVIII
Criticizes Frank Churchill's failure to visit his father, arguing that a man of his age and means could come if he chose, and expresses a strong dislike for Frank's perceived character.
Chapter XX
Mentioned as having previously told Emma that her dislike of Jane stems from seeing in Jane the accomplished woman Emma wishes to be.
Chapter XXI
Mr. Knightley expresses his approval of Emma's behavior toward Jane Fairfax during the evening party and engages in a subtle debate with Emma about Jane's character.
Chapter XXV
Mr. Knightley privately criticizes Frank Churchill as a 'trifling, silly fellow,' showing his disapproval.
XXVI
Mr. Knightley arrives at the party, and Emma approves of his gentlemanly conduct, though he teases her about her perceptions.
XXVIII
Passes by on horseback; inquires after Jane Fairfax's health but declines to enter, citing business at Kingston.
Chapter 23
Indifferent to the ball, preferring solitude; shows no triumph over Frank's departure, expressing sympathy for Emma's disappointment.
XXXII
Mentioned by Mrs. Elton as having visited the Westons; she refers to him familiarly as 'Knightley.'
Chapter XXXIII
Mr. Knightley denies any intention of marrying Jane Fairfax, praises her talents but notes her reserved temper, and discusses the matter with Emma and Mrs. Weston.
Chapter XXXIV
Criticizes Frank Churchill's handwriting as weak and womanish, and his earlier words influence Emma's conscience about Jane Fairfax.
Chapter XXXVI
Little disposed for conversation during the card party.
Chapter XXXVIII
Mr. Knightley stands among the non-dancers, looking grave; Emma observes his figure and wishes he would dance.
XXXIX
Referenced as having come to a good understanding with Emma about the Eltons and having praised Harriet.
XL
Mentioned in the context of the conversation about spruce-beer and the pencil end that Harriet treasured.
Chapter XLI
Mr. Knightley grows increasingly suspicious of Frank Churchill's double dealings and observes interactions between Frank and Jane Fairfax.
Chapter XLII
Shows Harriet around the gardens and discusses farming, demonstrating his kindness and propriety.
XLIII
Takes charge of Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax during the picnic, and later confronts Emma about her cruel treatment of Miss Bates.
Chapter XLIV
Mentioned as having declined Mrs. Elton's invitation to spend the evening with her, though Emma had hoped to see him.
Chapter XLV
Visits Hartfield, announces sudden trip to London, shows a moment of tender intention toward Emma before leaving.
Chapter XLVII
Mr. Knightley is the object of Harriet's affections; Emma recalls his improved opinion of Harriet and his attentive behavior, which she now interprets as potential romantic interest.
XLVIII
Mr. Knightley is the object of Emma's anxiety; she fears he may marry Harriet Smith and that she will lose his constant presence at Hartfield.
XLIX
Mr. Knightley returns from London, confesses his love for Emma, and proposes to her, having been motivated by jealousy of Frank Churchill.
Chapter L
Proposes to Emma; visits Hartfield for breakfast and discusses their future, helping to reassure her.
LI
Reads Frank Churchill's letter critically, then proposes to Emma, offering to move to Hartfield to live with her and her father.
LIII
Shares John's letter with Emma, discusses the engagement, and notes the community's reactions.
LIV
Delivers the news of Harriet's engagement to Robert Martin, noting Emma's changed perspective.
Chapter LV
Mr. Knightley is part of the plan for his marriage to Emma, and his presence reassures Mr. Woodhouse after the poultry theft.
