Evelina · Character

Miss Polly Branghton

A flirtatious and silly cousin of Evelina, one of the Branghton daughters.

minor

Also known as Polly, Miss Polly Branghton, Miss Polly, Poll

First appearance: letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

Miss Polly Branghton shows up with force in Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Polly Branghton is rather pretty, very foolish, ignorant, giddy, and good-natured; she questions Evelina about her dress and shows curiosity about her family.

In the storyLetter XVII: Evelina in ContinuationOpen this moment free

Miss Polly Branghton first appears in 0019 letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars.

In Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation: Polly Branghton is rather pretty, very foolish, ignorant, giddy, and good-natured; she questions Evelina about her dress and shows curiosity about her family.

Later, in Letter XXI: Evelina in Continuation: Visits Evelina with her sister, insisting she join their opera party; shows forwardness and ignorance of proper dress.

See Miss Polly Branghton in Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation Book page

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Character Web

16 connections

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Character groups

Evelina's social circle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Evelina's cr…

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In the story

Miss Polly Branghton appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation
Polly Branghton is rather pretty, very foolish, ignorant, giddy, and good-natured; she questions Evelina about her dress and shows curiosity about her family.
Letter XXI: Evelina in Continuation
Visits Evelina with her sister, insisting she join their opera party; shows forwardness and ignorance of proper dress.
Letter XL: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Engages in petty rivalry with her sister, discusses her suitor Mr. Brown, and shows lack of affection.
Letter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
One of the Branghton daughters, involved in quarrels with her brother and father, and gossips about Mr. Smith.
Letter XLIV: Evelina in Continuation
Participates in the conversation about the lodger and later comments on Mr. Smith's airs.
Letter XLV: Evelina in Continuation
Flirts with Mr. Brown; votes for Mother Red Cap's; displays vulgar behavior.
Letter XLVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Attempts to attract Sir Clement's notice but fails; her frolic ends in distress.
Letter XLVII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Inquisitive about Sir Clement; later praises him after learning his rank.
Letter XLVIII: Evelina in Continuation
Objects to her room being used for weather observation, leading to quarrelling with her brother.
Letter L: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Miss Branghton shows displeasure at Mr. Smith's attention to Evelina and engages in a quarrel with her brother Tom.
Letter LI: Evelina in Continuation
Mentioned indirectly as part of the Branghton household; Mr. Macartney passes through their shop.
Letter LIV: Evelina in Continuation
Eagerly questions Evelina about her dance with Lord Orville and joins in using the carriage.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Polly Branghton in letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

See Miss Polly Branghton in Letter XVII: Evelina in Continuation