Persuasion · Character
Mrs. Smith
A sharp-witted widow in reduced circumstances, she reads Anne's heart faster than Anne would like and isn't shy about asking a favor.
supporting
Also known as A Mrs. Smith, Dear Smith
First appearance: Chapter XVII
As a supporting figure in Persuasion, Mrs. Smith is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Former Miss Hamilton, now a poor, crippled widow living in humble lodgings in Bath; displays remarkable resilience and cheerfulness.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Once Anne's lively schoolmate, Mrs. Smith now receives visitors in a modest Bath lodging, her cheerfulness edged with the habits of a woman who has learned to make interest go far. Her penetrating guess about Anne's…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mrs. Smith sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mrs. Smith in Chapter XVIICharacter Web
4 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Smith sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Extended Society and Backstory Figures
- Kellynch and Uppercross Circle
- Protagonist
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when the long-standing social and personal barrie…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Mrs. Smith appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Smith unlock in the free preview.
See Mrs. Smith in Chapter XVII