# Mr. Rushworth — Mansfield Park character guide

> Mr. Rushworth in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0014-xv

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

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

_social_

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

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

_social_

Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.

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

_social_

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

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

_social_

Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.

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

_social_

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

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

_social_

Julia is a rival for Mr. Rushworth's attention, but she ultimately scorns him and elopes with a different man.

## In the story

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

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

Expresses dislike for constant rehearsals; receives Sir Thomas's approval for valuing domestic tranquillity.

## Links

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