# Edward Ferrars — Sense and Sensibility character guide > Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Edward, Mr. Ferrars, Mr. Edward Ferrars, Poor Edward **First appearance:** 0003-iv ## Who they are A reserved, honorable gentleman with no fortune and no gift for performance, whose hidden obligations make his growing attachment to Elinor a study in restraint. ## Relationships ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _romantic_ Edward and Elinor share a quiet, deep romantic attachment complicated by his secret engagement. ### [Marianne Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/marianne_dashwood) _friendship_ Edward is a kind, brotherly friend to Marianne, who initially finds him too reserved. ### [Lucy Steele](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/lucy_steele) _romantic_ Edward is bound by a youthful, imprudent secret engagement to the manipulative Lucy Steele. ### [Mrs. Jennings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/mrs_jennings) _social_ Edward is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Jennings, who teases him about his relationship with Elinor. ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _romantic_ Edward and Elinor share a quiet, deep romantic attachment complicated by his secret engagement. ### [Marianne Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/marianne_dashwood) _friendship_ Edward is a kind, brotherly friend to Marianne, who initially finds him too reserved. ### [Mrs. Jennings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/mrs_jennings) _social_ Edward is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Jennings, who teases him about his relationship with Elinor. ### [Lucy Steele](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/lucy_steele) _romantic_ Edward is bound by a youthful, imprudent secret engagement to the manipulative Lucy Steele. ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _romantic_ Edward and Elinor share a quiet, deep romantic attachment complicated by his secret engagement. ### [Marianne Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/marianne_dashwood) _friendship_ Edward is a kind, brotherly friend to Marianne, who initially finds him too reserved. ### [Mrs. Jennings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/mrs_jennings) _social_ Edward is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Jennings, who teases him about his relationship with Elinor. ## In the story ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/iii) Quiet and diffident, he is attached to Elinor and prefers domestic comfort over ambition. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/iv) Discussed at length: his shyness, taste, character, and dependent situation under his mother's control; Elinor defends his merits. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/v) Shows surprise and concern upon learning the Dashwoods are moving to Devonshire, hinting at his attachment to Elinor. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as not yet arriving at Barton, causing Marianne to suspect illness and reflect on his and Elinor's restrained farewell. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xvi) Visits Barton Cottage after a fortnight in Devonshire; behaves with coldness and reserve toward Elinor, disappointing both sisters. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xvii) Visits Barton Cottage, appears out of spirits, and reacts strongly to Marianne's accusation of being reserved. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xviii) Visits the Dashwoods, appears unhappy and embarrassed; lies about the ring's hair; expresses practical views on landscape. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xix) Departs after a week, expressing discontent with his idle life and his family's refusal to let him pursue the church; shows despondency and lack of independence. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxii) Edward is the subject of Lucy's revelation; his secret engagement to Lucy is disclosed, and his low spirits during his visit to Barton are discussed. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxiii) Referenced as the object of Elinor's love and Lucy's engagement; his past behavior and current feelings are analyzed by Elinor. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxiv) Discussed as Lucy's secret fiancé; his dependence on his mother and preference for the church are highlighted, though he does not appear in the chapter. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxv) Edward visits but is uneasy under Marianne's effusive praise and Lucy's presence; he leaves early despite Marianne's attempts to detain him. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxvii) Discussed as the subject of the secret engagement; Elinor defends his character and wishes him happiness. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxviii) His integrity is praised by Elinor and Marianne; his engagement to Lucy remains firm. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxix) Mentioned as the recipient of Colonel Brandon's offer of the Delaford living; his engagement to Lucy Steele is acknowledged. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xl) Edward is overwhelmed by Colonel Brandon's generosity and struggles to express his gratitude, still bound by his secret engagement to Lucy. ### [Chapter XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xli) Carries his thanks to Colonel Brandon and shares his happiness with Lucy, appearing unusually cheerful. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlvii) Reported by Thomas to be married to Lucy Steele, seen in a chaise in Exeter, though he does not look up or speak. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlviii) Arrives at Barton Cottage, visibly agitated, and reveals that his brother Robert has married Lucy Steele. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlix) Arrives at Barton Cottage to propose to Elinor; reflects on his past engagement to Lucy and resolves to seek his mother's forgiveness in person. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/l) Edward Ferrars is content in his marriage to Elinor, performing his duties with cheerfulness and attachment to his wife and home. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/edward_ferrars - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters