Mansfield Park · Character

Maria Bertram

The proud, self-possessed elder Bertram daughter, engaged to a rich fool while her heart drifts toward a more dangerous admirer.

supporting

Also known as Maria, Mrs. Rushworth, Rushworth, Mrs. Rushworth Maria Bertram, Unhappy Maria

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in Mansfield Park, Maria Bertram is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of Fanny's older cousins; she and Julia treat Fanny with condescension and indifference.

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Maria Bertram is beautiful, accomplished, and conscious of her own consequence, groomed by Mansfield to marry well and by Mrs. Norris to think chiefly of herself. Engaged to the wealthy but dull Mr. Rushworth, she finds her vanity and restlessness stirred by Henry Crawford, whose attentions she accepts while telling herself she is merely amused. Her cool composure masks a willful disregard for others' feelings, and her choices at Sotherton and in the theatricals set the moral tensions of the novel in motion.

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See Maria Bertram in i

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mansfield Park Household
Minor Acquaintances and Servants

+16 more in the full Character Web

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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
family · negative
Maria is Fanny's older cousin, who is proud and selfish, treating Fanny with disdain and… How this plays out →
Fanny Price
family · negative
Maria is Fanny's older cousin, who is proud and selfish, treating Fanny with disdain and… How this plays out →
Fanny Price
family · negative
Maria is Fanny's older cousin, who is proud and selfish, treating Fanny with disdain and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Maria Bertram in i

In the story

Maria Bertram appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II
One of Fanny's older cousins; she and Julia treat Fanny with condescension and indifference.
V
Maria is engaged to Mr. Rushworth but shows confused feelings toward Henry Crawford. She is thought to be the handsomest sister.
Chapter VII
Maria is excluded from a dinner at the Parsonage due to Mr. Rushworth's expected visit, causing her to be sullen and angry.
Chapter VIII
Maria is mortified when Julia takes the coveted seat on the barouche-box with Henry Crawford, leaving her in gloom and irritation. She is jealous and struggles to maintain composure.
Chapter IX
Maria is pleased with the attention from Henry Crawford and is teased by Julia about standing near the altar with Mr. Rushworth.
The Visit to Sotherton
Maria is discontented and flirts with Henry Crawford, showing disregard for her fiancé Mr. Rushworth. She is eager to explore Sotherton and engage in conversation with Crawford.
Chapter XI
Dreads her father's return and the marriage to Mr. Rushworth, hoping for delays.
XII
Maria, engaged to Mr. Rushworth, misses Henry Crawford during his absence and is pleased by his return. She is seen dancing and looking happy, with Mrs. Norris noting her sparkling eyes.
XIII
Supports the theatrical scheme, advocating for a performance rather than a full theatre, and exchanges glances with Edmund about Mary Crawford's involvement.
XIV
Converses in undertones with Henry Crawford and shows satisfaction at Julia's discomfort.
Chapter XV
Maria takes a lead role in the play and defends its suitability, showing defiance toward Edmund's concerns.
Chapter XVI
Maria is mentioned as one of the authoritative figures pressuring Fanny to act.
Chapter XVII
Maria is triumphant in her victory over Edmund and enjoys Henry Crawford's attentions. She is careless of Julia's feelings.
Chapter XX
Maria is deeply agitated by Henry Crawford's departure, feeling the agony of his indifference despite his earlier attentions.
Chapter XXI
Maria marries Mr. Rushworth in a proper wedding, driven by hatred of home and a desire for independence, and departs for Brighton with Julia.
Chapter XL
Now Mrs. Rushworth; Mary describes her as flustered when Fanny's name was mentioned, but expects her to recover socially.
Chapter XLIII
Referred to as Mrs. Rushworth; Mary Crawford hopes Henry will meet her, which Fanny disapproves of.
Chapter XLVII
Maria's elopement with Henry Crawford is the subject of discussion; Sir Thomas sees it as a bad thing done in the worst manner, and Mary Crawford criticizes her for sacrificing her situation under the idea of being loved by an indifferent man.
XLVIII
Elopes with Henry Crawford, causing family misery and disgrace.

Chapter companion notes

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See Maria Bertram in i

See Maria Bertram in Chapter II