Charles Musgrove Character Analysis in Persuasion

The husband of Mary, Charles is the eldest son of the respectable Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove, whose landed property and general importance are second only to Sir Walter’s in the region. Although Anne was his first choice, he good-naturedly endures his wife’s temperament and possesses a number of other amiable qualities, though he spends most of his time on sport.

Charles Musgrove Character Timeline in Persuasion

The timeline below shows where the character Charles Musgrove appears in Persuasion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Seven years later, Anne has had no second attachment (although Charles Musgrove proposed to her before marrying her sister Mary), change of place, nor enlargement of... (full context)

...her sister, and the two take a walk to the Great House, where the Musgroves (Charles’s parents and sisters) live. (full context)

Charles is civil and agreeable, more sensible and even-tempered than Mary. While a better woman might... (full context)

...situation of mediator, as each party ask her to persuade the others to make changes. Charles wants Mary to stop imagining herself ill; Mary wants Charles to take her complaints seriously;... (full context)

...soon feels sad at the prospect of strangers moving into Kellynch Hall. The Crofts return Charles and Mary’s visit, giving Anne the opportunity to meet them. Mrs. Croft has an amiable... (full context)

The following day, the child appears to be recovering well. Charles decides he will dine at the Great House, but Mary is displeased that she will... (full context)

...are for her after all these years, believing him to be either unwilling or indifferent. Charles and Mary return with warm reports of Captain Wentworth, whom it appears everyone loves. (full context)

Captain Wentworth calls on Mary the following morning, before leaving to hunt with Charles. He briefly acknowledges Anne’s presence and is gone. Later, she learns from Mary that he... (full context)

...They are more infatuated with him; though Anne suspects Henrietta still divided in her affections. Charles Hayter seems slighted and eventually stops visiting. Captain Wentworth appears entirely oblivious as to the... (full context)

...unwelcome; Anne joins as well with the intention of tempering the situation. They run into Charles Musgrove and Captain Wentworth and set out together. Captain Wentworth and Louisa flirt gaily; at... (full context)

...disgustedly suggests they turn back at the prospect of encountering their lowly connections. Louisa and Charles protest, though, and it is decided that he and Henrietta will visit the Hayters. The... (full context)

Anne overhears Louisa telling Captain Wentworth that she encouraged Henrietta to visit Charles Hayter, though Henrietta would have turned back after Mary’s interference. The two discuss the evils... (full context)

...instead of the snobbish Mary. He inquires interestedly in the affair, learning that Anne refused Charles, which his parents attributed to the influence of Lady Russell. When the group reassembles, Henrietta... (full context)

...from a visit with friends at Lyme with warm reports of the seaside town. Anne, Charles, Mary, Henrietta, Louisa, and Captain Wentworth plan a short vacation to the town. They meet... (full context)

Charles and Mary return to Uppercross, reporting that Louisa is recovering well though still weak. Mary... (full context)

The next morning, Charles and Mary arrive in a surprise visit. Several of the Musgroves are in town to... (full context)

Anne spends the afternoon with the Musgroves. Mary and Charles argue over their plans for the evening; Charles wants to see a play, but Mary... (full context)

Anne is overwhelmed with emotion. The others fret that she is unwell, and Charles insists on walking her home. They encounter Captain Wentworth on the road, and he replaces... (full context)