# Edmund Bertram — Mansfield Park character guide > Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Bertram, Bertram, Mr. Edmund Bertram, Sir Edmund, Mr. Edmund **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot The younger Bertram son, destined for the church, whose early kindness to a frightened cousin makes him Fanny's only confidant at Mansfield Park. ## Who they are Edmund finds Fanny crying on the attic stairs and becomes her steady friend, defending her against his sisters' indifference and his aunt's lectures. Serious and principled, he nonetheless grows susceptible to Mary Crawford's charm, leaving Fanny to watch his judgment waver. His struggle between duty and attraction anchors the novel's central question of what a good man actually chooses. ## Relationships ### [Fanny Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/fanny_price) _romantic_ Edmund is Fanny's confidant and moral guide, eventually becoming her husband after a long, one-sided devotion from Fanny. ### [Sir Thomas Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/sir_thomas_bertram) _family_ Edmund is Sir Thomas's second son, and they share a respectful, loving father-son bond with mutual moral values. ### [Mrs. Norris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mrs_norris) _family_ Edmund is Mrs. Norris's nephew, and he tolerates her meddling but often disagrees with her harsh treatment of Fanny. ### [Admiral Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/admiral_crawford) _social_ Admiral Crawford is a neighbor and acquaintance of Edmund, but their interactions are marked by the Admiral's immoral reputation. ### [Fanny Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/fanny_price) _romantic_ Edmund is Fanny's confidant and moral guide, eventually becoming her husband after a long, one-sided devotion from Fanny. ### [Fanny Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/fanny_price) _romantic_ Edmund is Fanny's confidant and moral guide, eventually becoming her husband after a long, one-sided devotion from Fanny. ### [Sir Thomas Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/sir_thomas_bertram) _family_ Edmund is Sir Thomas's second son, and they share a respectful, loving father-son bond with mutual moral values. ### [Mrs. Norris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mrs_norris) _family_ Edmund is Mrs. Norris's nephew, and he tolerates her meddling but often disagrees with her harsh treatment of Fanny. ### [Mrs. Norris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mrs_norris) _family_ Edmund is Mrs. Norris's nephew, and he tolerates her meddling but often disagrees with her harsh treatment of Fanny. ### [Admiral Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/admiral_crawford) _social_ Admiral Crawford is a neighbor and acquaintance of Edmund, but their interactions are marked by the Admiral's immoral reputation. ### [Sir Thomas Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/sir_thomas_bertram) _family_ Edmund is Sir Thomas's second son, and they share a respectful, loving father-son bond with mutual moral values. ### [Admiral Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/admiral_crawford) _social_ Admiral Crawford is a neighbor and acquaintance of Edmund, but their interactions are marked by the Admiral's immoral reputation. ## In the story ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/ii) The youngest son, who discovers Fanny crying on the attic stairs and offers her comfort, paper, and friendship. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/iii) Edmund attempts to comfort Fanny and persuade her that living with Mrs. Norris would be beneficial, though he is unaware of Mrs. Norris's true intentions. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/iv) Returns to find Fanny unwell from lack of exercise; insists she must have a horse and arranges to exchange his own road-horse for a mare suitable for her. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/v) Edmund defends Fanny's modesty and criticizes the vanity of young ladies who act upon motives of vanity. He clarifies that Fanny does not go to balls or dine out. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/vi) Edmund is absent from the dinner, having set off for ⸻, but is discussed and later mentioned in relation to Fanny's brother. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/vii) Edmund discusses Mary Crawford with Fanny, defends her to some extent, and later shows concern for Fanny's health, bringing her Madeira and resolving to ensure she can ride again. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/viii) Edmund insists that Fanny be included in the Sotherton visit, offering to stay home with Lady Bertram to make it possible. He is thoughtful and considerate of Fanny's desires, and his actions highlight his kindness and sense of duty. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/ix) Edmund explains the chapel's history to Fanny and reveals his intention to take orders as a clergyman, shocking Mary Crawford. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xi) Discusses his taking orders with Mary Crawford, defends his bias, and later abandons Fanny to join the glee singers. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xii) Edmund defends Henry Crawford's return to Mansfield, suggesting it shows credit to his character. He dismisses Fanny's cautious hint about Henry's attentions to Maria, believing Henry's interest lies with Julia. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xiii) Opposes the theatrical scheme, uncomfortable with the idea of amateur acting, and tries to prevent it. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xiv) Hopes no play will be found, and Fanny longs for his remonstrance against the impropriety. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xv) Edmund opposes the choice of 'Lovers' Vows' and defends Fanny's right to refuse acting, but his advice is ignored. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xvi) Edmund consults Fanny about the acting scheme, decides to take the role of Anhalt to mitigate the impropriety, and seeks her approbation. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xvii) Edmund has descended from his moral elevation and agreed to act in the play, driven by his feelings for Miss Crawford. He is unobservant of Julia's distress. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xviii) Seeks Fanny to rehearse with him, then rehearses with Mary Crawford, showing increasing spirit in his performance. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xix) Receives a reproachful look from his father for allowing the theatricals; Fanny feels his pain acutely. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xx) Edmund confesses to his father about the play scheme, defending his own conduct and praising Fanny's consistent judgment. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxi) Edmund discusses the changed atmosphere with Fanny, wishes his father valued the Grants' society more, and compliments Fanny on her improved appearance, causing her distress. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxii) Edmund walks Fanny home from the Parsonage, discusses wealth and honesty with Mary Crawford, and is invited to dine with Dr. Grant the next day. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxiii) Supports Fanny's acceptance of the invitation, persuades his mother, and later brings Fanny the good news; he is firm in his decision to take orders despite Mary's displeasure. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxiv) Quietly supports Fanny and William's time together, pointing out their bond to Sir Thomas. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxv) Edmund smiles at Fanny's wish for William to win the game and later speaks of the duty of a parish priest, causing discomfort to Mary Crawford and Fanny. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxvii) Edmund confides in Fanny about his pain over Mary Crawford's manner, expresses his love for her, and later engages Mary for the first two dances. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxviii) Edmund asks Fanny to keep two dances for him, showing his continued kindness and support. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxix) Bids farewell for a week to go to Peterborough; his absence is felt by both Fanny and Mary. ### [Henry Crawford's Declaration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxx) Mentioned as the only family member who has not exercised Fanny's patience and forbearance. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxii) Edmund is absent but is Fanny's only friend who might have softened his father's anger. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxiv) Edmund observes the interaction between Fanny and Crawford, hoping for Crawford's success and noting Fanny's attention to the reading. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxv) Edmund, at Sir Thomas's request, speaks to Fanny about Crawford. He reassures her but also tries to persuade her to reconsider, revealing his own lingering partiality for Mary Crawford. ### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxvi) Reports to Sir Thomas that Fanny needs time to accept Crawford's addresses, recommending patience and no further pressure. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxvii) Edmund promises to write to Fanny and is observed to be increasingly attached to Mary Crawford, which causes Fanny great distress. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xl) Mentioned in Mary's letter as being in London, detained by parish duties; Fanny is anxious about his potential involvement with Mary. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xli) Mentioned as being in town and dining with the Frasers, causing Fanny anxiety about his intentions with Mary Crawford. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlii) Edmund is mentioned by Fanny when she asks Mr. Crawford to convey a message to him, indicating she expects to hear from him soon. ### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xliii) Mentioned in Mary's letter as having dined with her; Fanny worries about his attachment to Mary. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xliv) Writes to Fanny from Mansfield Park, detailing his weakened hopes regarding Mary Crawford and his plans; expresses his continued attachment and fears about her worldly influences. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlv) Edmund writes to Fanny with the true account of Tom's illness, including fears for his lungs. He is Tom's primary companion and caregiver. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlvi) Edmund is visibly ill and suffering from suppressed emotions, deeply affected by recent events, and finds relief only in motion. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlvii) Edmund confides in Fanny about his last interview with Mary Crawford, expressing shock at her cold, worldly view of the elopement and her focus on imprudence rather than moral offense. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlviii) Marries Fanny after being disillusioned with Mary Crawford; becomes cheerful again. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/edmund_bertram - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters