# Evelina Anville — Evelina character guide > Evelina Anville in Evelina by Fanny Burney. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Evelina, Miss Anville, Anville, Evelina Belmont, Evelina Berry Hill **First appearance:** 0003-evelina ## Who they are A gentle, unacknowledged girl raised in rural seclusion, she steps into London's glittering cruelty and must guard her heart while learning who she truly is. ## In the story ### [Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/evelina) The protagonist, a sheltered young woman about to enter London society. ### [Letter I: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-i-lady-howard-to-the-rev-mr-villars) The orphaned child mentioned; Lady Howard refers to her as 'the amiable girl' and conveys her family's regards. ### [Letter II: Mr. Villars to Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-ii-mr-villars-to-lady-howard) The ward in question; Mr. Villars refuses to send her to Madame Duval and cherishes her deeply. ### [Letter III: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-iii-lady-howard-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Proposed to join Mrs. Mirvan's party to London. ### [Letter IV: Mr. Villars to Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-iv-mr-villars-to-lady-howard) Referred to as his young charge; he has prepared her for a modest life and informed her of her birth circumstances. ### [Letter V: Mr. Villars to Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-v-mr-villars-to-lady-howard) Referred to as 'my child' and 'the child of my adoption'; she is being sent to Lady Howard, described as innocent and artless. ### [Letter VI: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-vi-lady-howard-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Praised by Lady Howard for her beauty, gentle manners, natural grace, and innocent character. ### [Letter VII: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-vii-lady-howard-to-the-rev-mr-villars) The child referred to; she is writing her own letter to support the request. ### [Letter VIII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-viii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Writes to Mr. Villars, torn between her desire to join the London trip and her duty to abide by his wishes. ### [Letter IX: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-ix-mr-villars-to-evelina) The recipient of the letter; Mr. Villars addresses her with paternal affection and concern. ### [Letter X: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-x-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates her first impressions of London, her excitement for the theatre, and her nervousness about the ball. ### [Letter XI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xi-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates her first ball, feeling overwhelmed and ashamed of her social missteps. ### [Letter XII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xii-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is mortified by Lord Orville's dismissive remarks about her and resolves to avoid assemblies. She enjoys the opera but remains sensitive to social slights. ### [Letter XIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xiii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the letter; feels ashamed and inexperienced after her deception at the ridotto is exposed. ### [Letter XIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xiv-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; deeply distressed by the discovery of Madame Duval as her grandmother and the prospect of being taken to France. ### [Letter XV: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xv-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars addresses her as his beloved child, praising her innocence and minuteness of communication, and advising her on conduct toward Madame Duval. ### [Letter XVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xvi-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the letter; feels ashamed of her companions and embarrassed by Lord Orville's presence after the ridotto. ### [Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xvii-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is distressed by Madame Duval's treatment and the vulgarity of the Branghtons, feeling shocked and indignant at the exposure of her private affairs. ### [Letter XVIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xviii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; flustered by Lord Orville's compliment and anxious about her reputation. ### [Letter XIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xix-evelina-in-continuation) Narrator and observer of the disputes and social dynamics; expresses discomfort with Madame Duval's behavior and the Captain's rudeness. ### [Letter XX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xx-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is distressed by Mr. Lovel's impertinent remarks about her country upbringing and feels relief that Lord Orville defends her honor. ### [Letter XXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxi-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; struggles with embarrassment over her vulgar relations and regrets her impulsive plan to leave with Sir Clement. ### [Letter XXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxii-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is the narrator, reflecting on Lord Orville's secret intervention with Mr. Lovel and her mixed feelings about it. ### [Letter XXIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxiii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the evening at the Pantheon, feeling uneasy with Sir Clement and the unnamed lord, and chagrined by Captain Mirvan's invitation to Sir Clement. ### [Letter XXIV: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxiv-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars addresses his letter to Evelina, expressing his anxiety and hopes for her future. ### [Letter XXV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrator and letter-writer; reflects on the changed atmosphere at Howard Grove and defends Lord Orville. ### [Letter XXVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxvi-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Terrified and distressed by Madame Duval's proposal; torn between filial longing and loyalty to Mr. Villars. ### [Letter XXVII: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxvii-lady-howard-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Referred to as the lovely charge whose merit and education make her worthy of claiming her inheritance. ### [Letter XXVIII: Mr. Villars to Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxviii-mr-villars-to-lady-howard) Referred to as 'this dear child' and 'sweet orphan'; Mr. Villars discusses his protective plans for her future. ### [Letter XXIX: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxix-mr-villars-to-evelina) The beloved recipient of Mr. Villars's letter, whose uneasiness and concern he sympathizes with. ### [Letter XXX: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxx-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates her deep anxiety and suspense over the impending letter from Paris, torn between hope of paternal acceptance and fear of rejection. ### [Letter XXXI: Lady Howard to Sir John Belmont, Bart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxi-lady-howard-to-sir-john-belmont-bart) Described as a deserving, accomplished, and amiable young woman, the daughter of Sir John Belmont and the late Lady Belmont, raised by Mr. Villars. ### [Letter XXXII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the letter; conceals her anxiety about Lord Orville and endures Sir Clement's advances. ### [Letter XXXIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxiii-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is distressed by the Captain's scheme and feels guilty for her passive role in the deception. She helps free Madame Duval from the ditch and accompanies her on the futile journey to the justice. ### [Letter XXXIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxiv-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina bravely petitions Captain Mirvan to spare Madame Duval further torment, but is rebuffed. She also navigates Sir Clement's manipulative offers and confides in Miss Mirvan. ### [Letter XXXVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxvi-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Receives the devastating letter from Sir John Belmont and struggles with feelings of rejection and sorrow. ### [Letter XXXVII: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxvii-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars addresses her as 'my Evelina' and 'my dearest child,' comforting her and advising her to be circumspect. ### [Letter XXXVIII: Mr. Villars to Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxviii-mr-villars-to-lady-howard) The subject of the dispute; Mr. Villars agrees to let her spend a month with Madame Duval. ### [Letter XXXIX: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxxix-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars addresses his letter to Evelina, expressing his reluctance and concern for her upcoming stay with Madame Duval. ### [Letter XL: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xl-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates her return to London and her discomfort with Madame Duval's plans and the Branghtons' behavior. ### [Letter XLI: Evelina to Miss Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xli-evelina-to-miss-mirvan) Narrates the letter, expressing gratitude, nostalgia, and a sense of altered reality in London. ### [Letter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the letter, describing her uncomfortable visit to the Branghtons and her observations of the household. ### [Letter XLIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xliii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; refuses Mr. Smith's ticket but is overruled by Madame Duval; heroically intervenes to stop a suicide. ### [Letter XLIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xliv-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter, observing the Branghtons' coarse behavior and Mr. Smith's affected manners. ### [Letter XLV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlv-evelina-in-continuation) Visits Branghtons' shop, shows compassion to Mr. Macartney, and is disgusted by the family's ill-breeding. ### [Letter XLVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlvi-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the letter; feels trapped by the Branghton party and mortified by Sir Clement's witnessing their vulgarity. ### [Letter XLVII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlvii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the visit and Sir Clement's arrival; remains reserved and observant. ### [Letter XLVIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlviii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the events, shows compassion by attempting to assist Mr. Macartney and leaving her purse. ### [Letter XLIX: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xlix-mr-villars-to-evelina) Praised for her humanity and courage; advised to exercise discretion and avoid Sir Clement Willoughby. ### [Letter L: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-l-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Evelina writes to Mr. Villars, expressing gratitude for his gift and letter, and recounts her experiences at the Hampstead assembly, where she asserts her independence by refusing to dance with Mr. Smith. ### [Letter LI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-li-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina receives and encloses Mr. Macartney's letter, reflecting on her role in rescuing him. ### [Letter LII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates her terrifying experience at Marybone Gardens, her fear of being seen with disreputable women, and her shame at Lord Orville witnessing her in such a situation. ### [Letter LIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-liii-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is listless and uneasy, but is cheered by Lord Orville's visit. She firmly rejects the proposed match with young Branghton and is troubled by M. Du Bois's declaration. ### [Letter LIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-liv-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates her distress over the Branghtons' behavior and her fear of losing Lord Orville's good opinion. ### [Letter LV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lv-evelina-in-continuation) Reluctantly obeys Madame Duval, endures Branghton family rudeness, misses Lord Orville's visit, and refuses to marry young Branghton. ### [Letter LVI: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lvi-mr-villars-to-evelina) The recipient of the letter, called back to Berry Hill. ### [Letter LVII: Evelina to Miss Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lvii-evelina-to-miss-mirvan) Narrates her return to Berry Hill, her conflicted emotions, and her insistence on her own emotional integrity. ### [Letter LVIII: Evelina to Miss Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lviii-evelina-to-miss-mirvan) Writes to Maria Mirvan, confessing her anguish over Lord Orville's letter and her shattered idealization of him. ### [Letter LIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lix-evelina-in-continuation) Writes to Maria from Berry Hill, expressing distress over Lord Orville's letter and her determination to stay with Mr. Villars. ### [Letter LX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lx-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is deeply troubled by Lord Orville's letter and her own concealment; she confesses her feelings to Mr. Villars and is restored to his confidence. ### [Letter LXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxi-evelina-in-continuation) The narrator and letter writer, recovering her health at Bristol Hotwells. ### [Letter LXII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the letter; expresses anxiety and dread about the impending meeting with Lord Orville after the mysterious letter. ### [Letter LXIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxiii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the letter; struggles with her feelings of resentment and attraction toward Lord Orville after the mysterious letter incident. ### [Letter LXIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxiv-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the visit to Mrs. Beaumont's, feeling embarrassed by questions about her family and grateful for Lord Orville's attention. ### [Letter LXV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxv-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates her current situation at Clifton, feeling both exposed to gossip and uplifted by Lord Orville's attentions. ### [Letter LXVI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxvi-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is conflicted between her promise to Lord Orville and her duty to keep Mr. Macartney's secrets. She attempts to manage the situation with discretion but becomes increasingly distressed by Lord Orville's apparent suspicion. ### [Letter LXVII: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxvii-mr-villars-to-evelina) The recipient of the letter; Mr. Villars addresses her as his 'deluded child' and expresses concern for her emotional state. ### [Letter LXVIII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxviii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Narrates the events; distressed by Lord Merton's advances and grateful for Lord Orville's protection. ### [Letter LXIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxix-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is agitated upon hearing of Miss Belmont and seeks guidance from Mr. Villars. ### [Letter LXX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxx-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the letter; struggles with her emotions for Lord Orville and discovers Mr. Macartney is her brother. ### [Letter LXXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxi-evelina-in-continuation) Writes to Mr. Villars, reluctantly complying with Mrs. Selwyn's insistence to stay at Clifton and promising to avoid Lord Orville. ### [Letter LXXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxii-evelina-in-continuation) Struggles with her resolve to avoid Lord Orville, feeling deep regret and conflict between duty and affection. ### [Letter LXXIII: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxiii-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars addresses her as his dearest child and urges her to claim her rightful name as daughter of Sir John Belmont. ### [Letter LXXIV: Lady Belmont to Sir John Belmont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxiv-lady-belmont-to-sir-john-belmont) The child who will bear the letter, referred to as the 'helpless charge' and the object of Lady Belmont's maternal plea. ### [Letter LXXV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Evelina is the narrator, feeling neglected and melancholy due to Lord Orville's coldness and Sir Clement's unwanted advances. ### [Letter LXXVI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxvi-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; confesses her love to Lord Orville and prepares to leave for London. ### [Letter LXXVII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxvii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; she is distressed by Sir Clement's outburst and torn between her feelings for Lord Orville and her duty to her guardian. ### [Letter LXXVIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxviii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; experiences extreme agitation and terror before meeting her father, faints upon seeing him, and is deeply affected by his rejection. ### [Letter LXXIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxix-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is agitated and perturbed by the sudden marriage plan, but ultimately consents to a Thursday wedding after Lord Orville's persuasion, deferring final decision to Mr. Villars. ### [Letter LXXX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxx-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina is formally presented as Miss Belmont and experiences an emotional reunion with her father. ### [Letter LXXXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxi-evelina-in-continuation) Receives and responds to Sir Clement's confession; discusses her feelings with Lord Orville; accepts her father's gift. ### [Letter LXXXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxii-evelina-in-continuation) Narrates the chapter; overjoyed by Villars' consent to her marriage and reunited with Maria Mirvan. ### [Letter LXXXIII: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxiii-mr-villars-to-evelina) The beloved child whose happiness fulfills Mr. Villars's every wish. ### [Letter LXXXIV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxiv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) The letter's author, who has just married Lord Orville. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/evelina - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters