# Lady Russell — Persuasion character guide > Lady Russell in Persuasion by Jane Austen. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Lady Elliot, Mr. Elliot, the future Lady Elliot, Jealousy of Mr. Elliot **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot Anne's godmother and late mother's dearest friend, a woman of sound judgment and warm affection whose one great mistake still shapes Anne's life. ## Who they are Lady Russell loved Lady Elliot, and she transferred that love and its standards to Anne, whom she considers a daughter. Eight years ago she persuaded Anne to refuse a penniless Captain Wentworth, a decision made from prudence and rank rather than malice. She remains Anne's most trusted adviser and most persistent blind spot, and her continued preference for a suitable Elliot match keeps the pressure on Anne's heart throughout the novel. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/i) A steady, well-provided-for widow and godmother to Anne, who loves all the Elliot children but especially Anne. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/i) The heir presumptive who disappointed Elizabeth by marrying a rich woman of inferior birth and speaking contemptuously of the family. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/ii) A woman of sound abilities and strict integrity, she draws up plans of retrenchment and consults Anne, but her proposals are rejected by Sir Walter. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/iv) Advised Anne to break off the engagement; Anne does not blame her but now disagrees with her counsel. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/v) Grieved and fearful about Mrs. Clay's role; feels the affront to Anne; plans her own absence to avoid the arrival of the Crofts. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xi) Expected to return soon; Anne is anxious about her meeting Captain Wentworth. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xii) Mr. Elliot is the mysterious gentleman who admires Anne at Lyme. He is revealed to be Sir Walter's heir, traveling to Bath. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xiii) Welcomes Anne back to Kellynch Lodge, discusses the accident at Lyme, and internally rejoices that Captain Wentworth is now attached to Louisa Musgrove. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xiv) Lady Russell is curious about Captain Benwick but ultimately dismisses him; she also expresses strong disapproval of Mr. Elliot. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xv) Has been in Bath a fortnight, actively seeking reconciliation with Sir Walter and Elizabeth. He is charming, sensible, and pays particular attention to Anne, showing surprise and pleasure at meeting her. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xvi) Lady Russell is increasingly charmed by Mr. Elliot, finding him agreeable and estimable, and is vexed by Mrs. Clay's influence and Anne being overlooked. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xvi) Mr. Elliot is warmly received by Lady Russell and engages in a philosophical discussion with Anne about good company, valuing rank and connection. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xvii) Supports Anne's visit to Mrs. Smith and continues to hope for a match between Anne and Mr. Elliot. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xvii) Discussed by Anne; she finds him too generally agreeable and suspects his past, though Lady Russell sees him as ideal. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xix) Attentive and solicitous toward Anne; escorts her home and is the subject of speculation by others. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xix) Overlooks Captain Wentworth at the concert, contributing to Anne's sense of duty toward him. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xx) Maneuvers to sit beside Anne at the concert, flatters her, and interrupts her conversation with Captain Wentworth, provoking jealousy. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxi) Revealed to be disingenuous, artificial, and selfish; his past cruelty and neglect of the Smiths are exposed. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxi) Anne resolves to inform her of Mr. Elliot's true character, hoping to undecieve her. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxii) Revealed as insincere and cruel through Mrs. Smith's account; observed in a secret conference with Mrs. Clay. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxiii) Present at the evening card party; Anne reflects on her past advice and feels justified in having followed it. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxiv) Lady Russell struggles to accept Wentworth but eventually learns to value him, admitting she was mistaken about both Wentworth and Mr. Elliot. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/chapters/xxiv) Mr. Elliot is discomfited by Anne's engagement, quits Bath, and takes Mrs. Clay under his protection in London, revealing his double game. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters/lady_russell - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/persuasion_se/characters