# Fanny Price — Mansfield Park character guide

> Fanny Price in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Fanny, dear Fanny, Poor Fanny, young Price, dear little Fanny, Miss Price, Miss Frances, Miss Fanny

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A shy, ten-year-old girl transplanted from poverty to Mansfield Park, Fanny grows up grateful, watchful, and quietly indispensable to the family that barely notices her.

## Who they are

Fanny arrives at Mansfield Park timid and homesick, weeping on the attic stairs until Edmund alone bothers to ask what is wrong. Her lowly position among wealthy cousins makes her grateful, self-effacing, and acutely sensitive to slights she never dares voice. Because she sees the Bertrams clearly while loving them anyway, her quiet judgment becomes the moral center of the household's unfolding dramas.

## Relationships

### [Edmund Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/edmund_bertram)

_romantic_

Edmund is Fanny's confidant and moral guide, eventually becoming her husband after a long, one-sided devotion from Fanny.

### [Admiral Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/admiral_crawford)

_psychological_

Admiral Crawford is a manipulative and predatory figure who relentlessly pursues Fanny, causing her distress and fear.

### [Mrs. Norris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mrs_norris)

_psychological_

Mrs. Norris is a cruel and domineering aunt who constantly belittles, exploits, and psychologically abuses Fanny.

### [Sir Thomas Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/sir_thomas_bertram)

_family_

Sir Thomas is Fanny's uncle and guardian, who is stern but ultimately kind and respectful, though initially distant.

### [Henry Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/henry_crawford)

_romantic_

Henry Crawford is a charming but morally shallow suitor who pursues Fanny, but she rejects him due to his lack of principle.

### [Julia Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/julia_bertram)

_family_

Julia is Fanny's cousin and a spoiled, jealous young woman who treats Fanny with condescension and rivalry.

### [William Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/william_price)

_family_

William is Fanny's beloved brother, a naval officer, and her closest emotional support and confidant.

### [Mr. Rushworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mr_rushworth)

_social_

Mr. Rushworth is a wealthy but foolish suitor of Maria, and Fanny interacts with him as a polite acquaintance at Mansfield Park.

### [Maria Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/maria_bertram)

_family_

Maria is Fanny's older cousin, who is proud and selfish, treating Fanny with disdain and using her as a servant.

### [Susan Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/susan_price)

_family_

Susan is Fanny's younger sister, who becomes a close companion and confidante after Fanny brings her to Mansfield Park.

### [Mary Crawford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/mary_crawford)

_friendship_

Mary Crawford is a charming but worldly woman who befriends Fanny, though Fanny is wary of her manipulative and immoral tendencies.

### [Edmund Bertram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/edmund_bertram)

_romantic_

Edmund is Fanny's confidant and moral guide, eventually becoming her husband after a long, one-sided devotion from Fanny.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/i)

Introduced as the nine-year-old daughter of Mrs. Price, chosen to be taken in by the Bertrams.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/ii)

Arrives at Mansfield Park at age ten, timid and homesick, finding comfort only in Edmund's kindness.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/iii)

Fanny is distressed at the thought of leaving Mansfield Park to live with Mrs. Norris, but is later relieved when the plan falls through.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/iv)

Receives Edmund's gift of a mare, which brings her great delight and deepens her gratitude and tender feelings toward him.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/v)

Fanny is quiet and unnoticed, paying tribute to Miss Crawford's beauty but still thinking Mr. Crawford plain. Miss Crawford puzzles over whether she is 'out' or not.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/vi)

Fanny speaks about her brother William at sea, blushing for his sake, and is prompted by Edmund to relate his situation.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/vii)

Fanny expresses her discomfort with Mary Crawford's impropriety and later feels neglected and overworked by her aunts, leading to a headache and emotional distress.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/viii)

Fanny is grateful for Edmund's kindness in arranging for her to join the Sotherton party, though she feels pain that he sacrifices his own enjoyment. She finds pleasure in observing the countryside and is happiest when she can share her thoughts with Edmund.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/ix)

Fanny is attentive and earnest during the house tour, disappointed by the chapel's simplicity, and is left on a bench by Edmund while others explore the wood.

### [The Visit to Sotherton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/x)

Fanny is left alone multiple times, feeling anxious and observing the interactions between Maria, Henry Crawford, and Mr. Rushworth. She tries to mediate and is concerned about propriety.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xi)

Defends the clergy against Mary Crawford's criticisms and shares a quiet moment of stargazing with Edmund, only to be left alone when he joins the glee.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xii)

Fanny observes the interactions between Henry Crawford and the Bertram sisters with unease, but her hints to Edmund are dismissed. She attends her first ball, initially enjoying four dances, but is later forced to listen to Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Rushworth discuss marriage prospects. She is eventually asked to dance by Tom Bertram to escape a card game.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xiii)

Sits quietly beside Lady Bertram, arranging her work, while the theatrical discussion unfolds.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xiv)

Quietly observes the theatrical preparations, reads Lovers' Vows, and is shocked by its impropriety.

### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xv)

Fanny is pressured to act in the play but refuses, feeling distressed and overwhelmed. She receives unexpected kindness from Mary Crawford.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xvi)

Fanny is deeply agitated by the pressure to act, retreats to the East room for solace, and doubts her own refusal.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xvii)

Fanny is sad and insignificant, feeling jealous of Miss Crawford's influence over Edmund. She is disquieted and full of agitation, but remains determined not to act in the play.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xviii)

Helps Mr. Rushworth learn his part, does needlework, and reluctantly agrees to read Mrs. Grant's role in the rehearsal.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xix)

Overwhelmed by Sir Thomas's unexpected kindness; observes the family dynamics and feels distressed by his reproachful look at Edmund.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xx)

Fanny is praised by Edmund as the only one who judged rightly throughout; she rejoices in Henry Crawford's departure.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxi)

Fanny wanders the house missing her cousins, feels the restraint of her father's presence, and expresses her love for quiet evenings and her uncle's stories. She is embarrassed by Edmund's compliment on her looks.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxii)

Fanny's consequence increases after her cousins depart; she becomes a frequent guest at the Parsonage, where she hears Mary Crawford play the harp and observes Edmund and Mary's conversation.

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxiii)

Anxious about dining out, grateful for the invitation yet apprehensive of being pained by what she may see or hear; she quietly slips away when her uncle discusses her.

### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxiv)

Overjoyed by William's arrival; her emotional depth and improved looks are noted by Henry Crawford.

### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxv)

Fanny is the object of Henry Crawford's attentions and feels distressed by his professions. She defends William against social slights and is disappointed when Mr. Crawford rather than Edmund helps her with her shawl.

### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxvi)

Fanny receives the necklace from Mary Crawford with mixed feelings, suspecting Henry's involvement, and is anxious about the ball.

### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxvii)

Fanny listens to Edmund's concerns about Mary Crawford, treasures a scrap of his writing, and prepares for the ball with mixed emotions.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxviii)

Fanny is the central figure, enjoying the ball and feeling happy due to Edmund's request for dances and her own improved appearance.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxix)

Grieves William's departure, finds solace in the quiet week, and calmly deflects Mary's probing about Edmund.

### [Henry Crawford's Declaration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxx)

The subject of Henry's admiration; described as gentle, modest, sweet, and principled.

### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxi)

Receives the news of William's promotion with overwhelming emotion, but is distressed by Henry's attentions and the implications of his interest.

### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxii)

Fanny is distressed and tearful as she refuses Henry Crawford's proposal, feeling misunderstood and accused of selfishness by her uncle.

### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Fanny is the recipient of Henry Crawford's marriage proposal, which she refuses despite family pressure. She feels gratitude for his role in William's promotion but remains convinced she cannot love him, and she muses on her duty and the hope that his attachment will fade.

### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Fanny is distressed by Henry Crawford's persistent attentions, blushes and tries to avoid him, but is captivated by his reading of Shakespeare.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxv)

Fanny is low-spirited and oppressed, but feels comforted when Edmund initially supports her refusal of Crawford. She remains firm in her disapproval of Crawford's character.

### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Struggles with gratitude toward Henry Crawford for William's commission, endures Mary's emotional farewell and later a tense private conversation in the East Room.

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxvii)

Fanny is sad to leave Mansfield Park, but hopes that time in Portsmouth will help her regain composure and distance herself from Edmund's situation with Mary Crawford.

### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Fanny arrives in Portsmouth, feeling agitated and overwhelmed by the disorder and lack of welcome at her family home.

### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxix)

Fanny is deeply unhappy in Portsmouth, finding the noise and disorder overwhelming, and missing the peace of Mansfield Park.

### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xl)

Struggles with homesickness and the coarseness of Portsmouth society; finds solace in her growing relationship with Susan and in reading.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xli)

Struggles with shame and anxiety during Henry Crawford's visit, relieved when he leaves without joining the family dinner.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlii)

Fanny is the central figure, feeling uncomfortable with Mr. Crawford's attentions but also enjoying the day. She is low-spirited after his departure and reflects on her poor health and the contrast between her life at Mansfield and Portsmouth.

### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xliii)

Acts as Susan's oracle, teaching her history and morals; deeply anxious about Susan's future and Edmund's attachment to Mary Crawford.

### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xliv)

Receives and reacts to Edmund's letter, feeling vexed and sorrowful; later receives Lady Bertram's letter about Tom's illness and lives in daily anxiety.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlv)

Fanny is in Portsmouth, longing for Mansfield and feeling useless. She receives a letter from Mary Crawford and corresponds with Edmund about Tom's illness.

### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlvi)

Fanny experiences a mix of joy and sorrow as she leaves Portsmouth, returns to Mansfield Park, and receives a troubling letter from Mary Crawford.

### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlvii)

Fanny feels justified in hinting at Tom's illness influencing her wish for reconciliation; she listens to Edmund's confession with pain and delight, and is convinced Edmund must be forever divided from Miss Crawford.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xlviii)

Returns to Mansfield Park, marries Edmund, and finds happiness at the Parsonage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters/fanny_price
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mansfield_park_se/characters
