# Mr. Woodhouse — Emma character guide > Mr. Woodhouse in Emma by Jane Austen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Woodhouse, poor Mr. Woodhouse **First appearance:** 0001-emma ## Who they are Emma's anxious, invalid-minded father, who dreads weddings, late hours, and rich food, and cannot bear the thought of anyone he loves changing circumstances. ## Relationships ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _family_ Emma is a devoted daughter to her hypochondriac father, managing his anxieties and household. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _friendship_ Mr. Knightley is a close family friend and neighbor to Mr. Woodhouse, often visiting and indulging his quirks. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _family_ Emma is a devoted daughter to her hypochondriac father, managing his anxieties and household. ### [Emma Woodhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/emma_woodhouse) _family_ Emma is a devoted daughter to her hypochondriac father, managing his anxieties and household. ### [Mr. Knightley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_knightley) _friendship_ Mr. Knightley is a close family friend and neighbor to Mr. Woodhouse, often visiting and indulging his quirks. ## In the story ### [Emma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/emma) Emma's father, a nervous, affectionate man who is fond of his daughters and dislikes change. He is a valetudinarian who worries about drafts and late hours. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/i) Anxious about the wedding's disruption; opposes further matchmaking and prefers to invite Mr. Elton to dinner instead. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ii) Continues to pity 'poor Miss Taylor' after her marriage and is distressed by the wedding cake, consulting Mr. Perry about its unwholesomeness. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/iii) Mr. Woodhouse enjoys quiet society and is particular about his evening card-parties; he fusses over his guests' health at supper, recommending only the mildest foods. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as Emma's father, who approves of the acquaintance with Harriet and to whom Emma is accountable. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/vi) Mr. Woodhouse offers a simple, approving comment on the portrait's prettiness. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/ix) Takes an interest in the riddle collection, trying to recall riddles from his youth and consulting Mr. Perry. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xi) Mr. Woodhouse nervously anticipates the visit, frets about the journey, and laments Miss Taylor's departure from Hartfield, though he acknowledges the Westons' frequent visits. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xii) Prefers quiet conversation with Isabella, expresses concern about South End and Perry's advice. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xiii) Reluctantly agrees to dine out at Randalls, wrapped up against the cold. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xv) Mr. Woodhouse is anxious about the snowy weather and the carriage ride, but is comforted by Emma's return. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvi) Content with the snowy weather that keeps everyone at home; he comments on Mr. Elton staying indoors. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xvii) Fears for Mr. Elton's safety on the journey; laments Isabella's departure and is preoccupied with his own anxieties. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxiii) Oblivious to matchmaking, offers to send a servant to guide Frank Churchill to the Bates' house. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxv) Mr. Woodhouse is anxious about Emma dining out but is gradually talked into acquiescence, worrying about late hours and drafts. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxix) Opposes the dance due to health concerns, criticizes Frank Churchill for thoughtlessness regarding draughts. ### [Chapter 23](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxx) Concerned about Mrs. Churchill's illness and Emma's safety; prefers staying home. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxii) Engages Mr. Elton during the return visit and offers a mild, polite opinion of Mrs. Elton. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxvi) Sits down to cards with Mr. and Mrs. Weston and Mr. Elton. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxvii) Resigned to Emma attending the ball, comforted by the mild May weather. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxix) Trembles with anxiety upon hearing the news; insists on promises that the ladies will not venture beyond the shrubbery. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlv) Distressed by Mr. Knightley's departure, but comforted by news of Jane Fairfax's governess position. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlix) Mr. Woodhouse is mentioned as being occupied with Mr. Perry, allowing Emma to go out. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/l) Unaware of the engagement between Emma and Mr. Knightley, he chats comfortably about news from Mr. Perry. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/li) His comfort and happiness are central to Mr. Knightley's proposal; Emma cannot leave him, so Mr. Knightley offers to move to Hartfield. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liii) Gradually comes to accept the marriage after assurances from Mrs. Weston and others. ### [Chapter LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lv) Mr. Woodhouse initially resists Emma's marriage but gradually resigns himself, especially after a poultry theft makes him value the protection of the Mr. Knightleys. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/mr_woodhouse - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters