Mansfield Park · Character

Mr. Rushworth

A wealthy, well-meaning dullard whose estate and income make him a prize far above his conversational powers.

supporting

Also known as Rushworth, poor Mr. Rushworth, Mr. and Mrs. Rushworth, dear Mr. and Mrs. Rushworth

First appearance: xv

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

See Mr. Rushworth in xv Book page

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Mr. Rushworth owns Sotherton and a fortune that recommends him to the Bertrams far more than his own company does; he is vain about his improvements, uncertain in his opinions, and easily led by whoever last spoke to him. His engagement to Maria Bertram is a matter of property and pride rather than affection, and his eagerness to please only exposes how little he understands the woman he means to marry. His foolishness and his wealth together make him both a comic figure and a pivot on which the Bertram sisters' fates turn.

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Rushworth sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Rushworth in xv

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Mansfield Park Household
Minor Acquaintances and Servants
Protagonist

+11 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
social · ambivalent
Julia Bertram
social · negative
Fanny Price
social · ambivalent
Julia Bertram
social · negative
Fanny Price
social · ambivalent
Julia Bertram
social · negative

Fanny Price
Mr. Rushworth is a wealthy but foolish suitor of Maria, and Fanny interacts with him as a polite acquaintance at Mansfield Park.
Julia Bertram
Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.
Fanny Price
Mr. Rushworth is a wealthy but foolish suitor of Maria, and Fanny interacts with him as a polite acquaintance at Mansfield Park.
Julia Bertram
Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.
Fanny Price
Mr. Rushworth is a wealthy but foolish suitor of Maria, and Fanny interacts with him as a polite acquaintance at Mansfield Park.
Julia Bertram
Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Rushworth in xv

In the story

Mr. Rushworth appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VI
Mr. Rushworth is eager to improve Sotherton Court, seeking advice from Henry Crawford and discussing his plans with the company.
The Visit to Sotherton
Mr. Rushworth is mortified and displeased by being left behind. He expresses jealousy and insecurity about Henry Crawford, and is easily persuaded to fetch the key.
XIX
Expresses dislike for constant rehearsals; receives Sir Thomas's approval for valuing domestic tranquillity.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Rushworth unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Rushworth in xv