# Marianne Dashwood — Sense and Sensibility character guide > Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Marianne, Marianne Dashwood, Miss Marianne, Mary **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Who they are A seventeen-year-old romantic who believes feeling should be ungoverned, she falls hard and fast for a man as ardent and imprudent as herself. ## Relationships ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _family_ Sisters with a deep bond, where Elinor's rationality often balances Marianne's passionate sensibility. ### [Mrs. Jennings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/mrs_jennings) _social_ Marianne tolerates Mrs. Jennings' company with reluctant amusement, often finding her vulgar. ### [John Willoughby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/john_willoughby) _romantic_ Willoughby passionately courts Marianne before callously abandoning her for a wealthier woman. ### [Edward Ferrars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/edward_ferrars) _friendship_ Edward is a kind, brotherly friend to Marianne, who initially finds him too reserved. ### [Colonel Brandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/colonel_brandon) _romantic_ Colonel Brandon silently and devotedly loves Marianne, eventually winning her heart after her disillusionment. ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _family_ Sisters with a deep bond, where Elinor's rationality often balances Marianne's passionate sensibility. ### [Elinor Dashwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/elinor_dashwood) _family_ Sisters with a deep bond, where Elinor's rationality often balances Marianne's passionate sensibility. ### [Edward Ferrars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/edward_ferrars) _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_ Marianne tolerates Mrs. Jennings' company with reluctant amusement, often finding her vulgar. ### [Colonel Brandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/colonel_brandon) _romantic_ Colonel Brandon silently and devotedly loves Marianne, eventually winning her heart after her disillusionment. ### [John Willoughby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/john_willoughby) _romantic_ Willoughby passionately courts Marianne before callously abandoning her for a wealthier woman. ### [John Willoughby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/john_willoughby) _romantic_ Willoughby passionately courts Marianne before callously abandoning her for a wealthier woman. ## In the story ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/i) The second daughter, sensible and clever but eager in everything, with no moderation in her sorrows or joys. She and her mother encourage each other in the violence of their affliction. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/iii) Expresses her romantic ideals, criticizing Edward's lack of passion and taste in reading and music. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/iv) Criticizes Elinor's restrained language about Edward, believing her sister's feelings are stronger and that an engagement is imminent. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/v) Delivers a passionate farewell to Norland, expressing deep sorrow at leaving the beloved estate. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/vi) Unpacks and arranges her pianoforte in the new home. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/vii) Vexed by Mrs. Jennings's jokes on her sister's behalf; performs music and feels respect for Colonel Brandon's attentive silence. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/viii) Dismisses the idea of Colonel Brandon being in love with her, finds his age and infirmity ridiculous, and worries about Edward Ferrars's delay. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/ix) Sprains her ankle while running down a hill; is carried home by Mr. Willoughby and is immediately taken with his charm and appearance. ### [Willoughby's Courtship of Marianne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/x) Fully recovered and deeply enamored with Willoughby, finding in him the perfect match for her romantic ideals. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xi) Openly devoted to Willoughby, she abhors concealment and dismisses Elinor's suggestions of self-command. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xii) Marianne enthusiastically accepts Willoughby's gift of a horse, defends her deep intimacy with him, and reluctantly agrees to decline the gift after Elinor's appeal. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xiii) Marianne defends her visit to Allenham with Willoughby, showing her romantic idealism and disregard for social propriety. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xiv) Silent but expressive; her eyes reveal her understanding of Willoughby's declarations. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xv) Shows extreme sorrow after Willoughby's departure, unable to eat or speak, and bursts into tears at dinner. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xvi) Grieves intensely after Willoughby's departure, spending nights weeping and days in melancholy; mistakes Edward Ferrars for Willoughby on the road. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xvii) Expresses her views on wealth and happiness, and accuses Edward of being reserved, causing him distress. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xviii) Notices Edward's ring and assumes the hair is Fanny's; blushes at mention of Willoughby and defends him; engages in the picturesque debate. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xix) Criticizes Elinor's calm self-command, believing strong affections make such restraint impossible; shows her own romantic sensibility. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as the subject of gossip regarding her supposed engagement to Willoughby; Elinor is concerned for her. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxi) Marianne remains silent rather than feign admiration for Lady Middleton, leaving Elinor to manage polite falsehoods. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxii) Marianne is mentioned as being ill-disposed toward the Miss Steeles due to her spirits, showing coldness that contrasts with Elinor's more patient demeanor. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxiii) Dwells on Willoughby's perfections, rudely declines card games, and retreats to the pianoforte. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxiv) Provides a musical backdrop by playing a concerto, allowing the private conversation between Elinor and Lucy to continue. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxv) Marianne is overjoyed at the prospect of going to London, driven by her longing to see Willoughby again, and shows little concern for Mrs. Jennings's vulgarity. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxvi) Eagerly anticipates seeing Willoughby in London; writes him a letter immediately upon arrival; becomes agitated and disappointed when Colonel Brandon appears instead; spends the evening in anxious expectation. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxvii) Restless and anxious for Willoughby's visit; writes to him and avoids company, showing her emotional turmoil. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxviii) Sees Willoughby at the party, approaches him with desperate affection, and is left in silent agony after his rejection. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxix) Overcome with grief after Willoughby's rejection; writes a final letter, receives his cruel reply, and collapses into physical and emotional exhaustion. ### [Chapter 31](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxx) Grieves over Willoughby's engagement, struggles to maintain composure at dinner, and retreats to her room in misery. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxi) Awakes to misery, fluctuates between hope and despair over Willoughby, harshly judges Mrs. Jennings, and is devastated by her mother's letter. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxii) Marianne is deeply affected by Willoughby's betrayal, showing settled dejection and silent grief, but begins to treat Colonel Brandon with compassionate respect. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxiii) Mentioned as looking unwell and having lost her bloom; not present during the visit. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxiv) Defends Elinor against Mrs. Ferrars's coldness, bursting into tears from emotional distress. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxv) Marianne openly praises Edward and expresses her dislike of London and the Ferrars family, causing discomfort to Edward and Lucy. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxvi) Grows indifferent to social outings; endures Lucy Steele's intrusive scrutiny of her dress and appearance. ### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxvii) Initially horrified and resentful, but later feels deep remorse and promises to be discreet. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxviii) Stays home to avoid meeting the Willoughbys; feels self-reproach comparing her conduct to Elinor's. ### [Chapter XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxix) Reluctant to go to Cleveland due to its proximity to Somersetshire, but is persuaded by Elinor's reasoning. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xl) Marianne is mentioned as having left the room before the conversation, but Elinor intends to tell her the news. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlii) Grieves over Willoughby, takes imprudent walks in wet weather, and develops a severe cold; finds solace in solitary rambles at Cleveland. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xliii) Falls seriously ill with a putrid fever, experiencing delirium and a heavy stupor before beginning to recover. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xliv) Marianne is the subject of Willoughby's confession; her letters and her love are recalled as central to his remorse. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlv) Awakens refreshed from sleep, recovering from her illness; unaware of the discussions about her future. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlvi) Recovering from illness, she shows remorse for her past conduct and resolves to reform her character. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlvii) After hearing Willoughby's full story, she expresses relief and acceptance that she could never have been happy with him, though she is visibly distressed. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlviii) Retreats in distress upon Edward's arrival, then shows amazement at the revelation. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xlix) Expresses her joy for Elinor through tears; shows a new candor by acknowledging John and Fanny's potential merit in reconciliation. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/l) Marianne marries Colonel Brandon, overcoming her former attachment to Willoughby and her romantic ideals, finding happiness in her new role as wife and mistress of Delaford. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters/marianne_dashwood - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/characters