Mansfield Park · Character

Henry Crawford

Mary's handsome, restless brother, a practiced flirt who amuses himself with the Bertram sisters before turning his attention to the one woman who resists him.

major

Also known as Mr. Crawford, Crawford, this Mr. Crawford, Henry, XXIV Henry Crawford

First appearance: xv

As a major figure in Mansfield Park, Henry Crawford is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Accompanies his sister to Mansfield; described as a flirt with a cautious attitude toward marriage, having been spoiled by the Admiral's lessons.

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Henry Crawford arrives at Mansfield with charm enough to make any gathering livelier and discipline enough to make none of it last. He toys with Maria and Julia Bertram's affections without scruple, then finds himself genuinely drawn to Fanny's steadiness and refusal to be won. His pursuit of her becomes a test of whether a man of easy habits can actually change, and the answer matters enormously.

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See Henry Crawford in xv

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Henry Crawford sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mansfield Park Household
Minor Acquaintances and Servants

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Fanny Price's…

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Relationships

Fanny Price
romantic · ambivalent
Henry Crawford is a charming but morally shallow suitor who pursues Fanny, but she… How this plays out →
Fanny Price
romantic · ambivalent
Henry Crawford is a charming but morally shallow suitor who pursues Fanny, but she… How this plays out →
Fanny Price
romantic · ambivalent
Henry Crawford is a charming but morally shallow suitor who pursues Fanny, but she… How this plays out →

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

Relationship notes

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See Henry Crawford in xv

In the story

Henry Crawford appears across 31 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
Accompanies his sister to Mansfield; described as a flirt with a cautious attitude toward marriage, having been spoiled by the Admiral's lessons.
V
Henry Crawford is initially plain but soon found agreeable. He flirts with both Bertram sisters, declaring he likes Julia best, and discusses marriage with his sister.
Chapter VI
Henry Crawford offers his expertise on improvements, having improved his own estate Everingham, and agrees to assist Mr. Rushworth.
Chapter IX
Henry looks grave at the windows, comments on the grounds, and makes a flirtatious remark to Maria about her proximity to the altar.
The Visit to Sotherton
Henry Crawford is charming and full of ideas for improving Sotherton. He engages Maria in flirtatious conversation, showing his manipulative and worldly nature.
Chapter XI
Present at the pianoforte with the Miss Bertrams and Mr. Rushworth during the evening.
XII
Henry returns from Norfolk after a fortnight and resumes his flirtatious attentions to both Maria and Julia Bertram, enjoying their admiration without serious intent. He is described as thoughtless and selfish.
XIII
Eagerly supports the theatrical plan, expressing a desire to act any character, and brings a message from Mary Crawford offering to join.
XIV
Manipulates Julia with flattery to accept the role of Amelia, while conversing privately with Maria.
Chapter XVII
Henry Crawford has trifled with Julia's feelings and now focuses on Maria. He is indifferent to the quarrel with Julia and busy with the play.
Chapter XVIII
Proposes a rehearsal of the first act and later entreats Fanny to read the part of Mrs. Grant.
Chapter XX
Henry Crawford announces his departure for Bath, dashing Maria's hopes and causing general disappointment.
Chapter XXIV
Decides to extend his stay and plans to make Fanny fall in love with him, intrigued by her reserve and beauty.
Chapter XXV
Henry Crawford discusses his plans for Thornton Lacey, pays pointed attentions to Fanny, and claims to admire her dancing. He takes the opportunity to assist her with her shawl at the end of the evening.
Chapter XXVI
Henry is revealed as the original giver of the necklace, and his changed manners toward Fanny are noted.
Chapter XXVII
Henry Crawford offers William a ride to London in his carriage, which pleases both William and Fanny.
XXVIII
Henry dances with Fanny, shows marked attention, and plans to travel with William Price, revealing his romantic interest.
Henry Crawford's Declaration
Declares his love for Fanny Price and his intention to marry her, praising her character and beauty.
Chapter XXXI
Arrives early to deliver news of William's promotion, expressing eagerness to see Fanny alone and claiming his uncle's role in the appointment.
Chapter XXXII
Henry Crawford has proposed to Fanny and is waiting to see her, but she refuses to meet him, and he eventually leaves after Sir Thomas conveys her refusal.
Chapter XXXIII
Henry Crawford professes his ardent love for Fanny, seeking her for her gentleness and goodness. Despite her refusal, he remains persevering and confident, and he is welcomed at Mansfield Park by Sir Thomas.
Chapter XXXIV
Henry Crawford ardently courts Fanny, reads Shakespeare dramatically, and tries to win her favor despite her resistance.
XXXV
Henry Crawford is the subject of discussion; his attachment to Fanny is praised by Edmund, but Fanny objects to his character, recalling his behavior during the play.
Chapter XXXVI
Appears subdued and oppressed at parting, takes Fanny's hand in silence, showing genuine emotion.
Chapter XL
Reported by Mary to be in Norfolk at Everingham; his absence is noted as a reason for Mary's delayed letter.
XLI
Visits Fanny in Portsmouth, behaves politely to Mrs. Price and Mr. Price, and arranges a walk to the dockyard.
XLII
Mr. Crawford joins the Prices for church and the walk, showing concern for Fanny's health and offering to bring her back to Mansfield. He also discusses his estate matters and expresses admiration for Fanny.
Chapter XLIII
Visited Fanny in Portsmouth, walked with her and Susan; plans to go to Norfolk and may see the Rushworths.
Chapter XLVI
Henry Crawford is implicated in a scandalous rumor, though Mary insists he is blameless and still devoted to Fanny.
Chapter XLVII
Henry Crawford's elopement with Maria is the central scandal; Sir Thomas and Edmund discuss his folly, and Mary Crawford criticizes his being drawn on by a woman he never cared for.
XLVIII
Elopes with Maria Rushworth due to vanity, losing Fanny and bringing disgrace.

Chapter companion notes

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See Henry Crawford in xv

See Henry Crawford in IV