Sense and Sensibility · Character
Mrs. Ferrars
Edward and Robert's domineering mother, a wealthy woman who rules her sons through the purse and would rather see them miserable than married beneath her.
supporting
Also known as Ferrars, poor Mrs. Ferrars
First appearance: Chapter XXXIV
As a supporting figure in Sense and Sensibility, Mrs. Ferrars is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Displays pride and ill nature; pointedly snubs Elinor while favoring Lucy Steele.
Mrs. Ferrars is the matriarch whose fortune and approval govern her sons' prospects, and whose disapproval can strip a man of everything. Her obsession with wealth and social standing makes Edward's secret engagement to Lucy Steele a catastrophe, and her name hangs over Elinor's hopes throughout the novel. When news arrives that Robert has married Lucy instead, the release it brings Elinor is the more startling for coming from the very quarter that seemed most implacable.
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Character Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Mrs. Ferrars sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Family, Gossip & Social Circle
- Protagonist
- Romantic Entanglements & Conflicts
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Willoughby, who has previously wronged Mariann…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Mrs. Ferrars appears across 2 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. Ferrars unlock in the free preview.
See Mrs. Ferrars in Chapter XXXIV