Mary Elliot Musgrove Character Analysis in Persuasion

Mary is the youngest Elliot daughter and married to Charles Musgrove with two children. While she is not as vain and unjust to Anne’s merits as Elizabeth, she does possess a strong dose of “Elliot pride.” Petulant and self-absorbed, she often imagines herself sick or slighted, and she is a rather irresponsible mother. Her family often finds her complaints and arrogance wearisome.

Mary Elliot Musgrove Character Timeline in Persuasion

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

...own lineage. His own wife bore him three daughters before passing away: Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary respectively. (full context)

...and sweetness of character, appreciated by Lady Russell, though not by Sir Walter nor Elizabeth. Mary has gained importance by being married. (full context)

...a suitable marriage rest on Elizabeth, as he deems Anne’s beauty to have faded and Mary’s marriage to have “given all the honour, and received none.” Several years ago, he and... (full context)

...has had no second attachment (although Charles Musgrove proposed to her before marrying her sister Mary), change of place, nor enlargement of society to distract her, although time has eased her... (full context)

Mary complains that she is feeling unwell and Anne must stay with her at Uppercross Cottage,... (full context)

When Anne visits Mary, she finds her in a sour mood. Mary is prone to self-pity, complaining that she... (full context)

Charles is civil and agreeable, more sensible and even-tempered than Mary. While a better woman might have improved his habits and character, he wastes his time... (full context)

...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; and Mrs.... (full context)

...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 and easy... (full context)

...again after so many years. However, the day he visits their reunion is delayed; as Mary and Anne head over to meet him at the Great House, Mary’s little boy dislocates... (full context)

...appears to be recovering well. Charles decides he will dine at the Great House, but Mary is displeased that she will have to stay at home to care for the boy... (full context)

...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... (full context)

...objection to a match between Charles and Henrietta so long as it makes her happy. Mary, however, wants to see Henrietta and Captain Wentworth paired off, as she considers the Hayters... (full context)

One morning, the sisters decide to go for a long walk. Mary insists on joining them, though her presence is clearly unwelcome; Anne joins as well with... (full context)

The party finds themselves at Winthrop, the home of the Hayters. Mary disgustedly suggests they turn back at the prospect of encountering their lowly connections. Louisa and... (full context)

...that she encouraged Henrietta to visit Charles Hayter, though Henrietta would have turned back after Mary’s interference. The two discuss the evils of “yielding and indecisive” characters and extol the virtue... (full context)

...tells Captain Wentworth that she wishes her brother had married Anne instead of the snobbish Mary. He inquires interestedly in the affair, learning that Anne refused Charles, which his parents attributed... (full context)

...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 Captain... (full context)

...than Mr. Elliot—their rich cousin and Sir Walter’s heir, whose first wife has passed away. Mary laments missing the opportunity for an introduction, although Anne quietly reminds her that such a... (full context)

...with the Harvilles to recover under the care of Anne, and Captain Wentworth, Henrietta, and Mary will report the accident to the Musgroves. However, Mary objects that she is closer to... (full context)

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

A letter arrives from Mary, delivered with the compliments of the Crofts who have just arrived in town. Mary writes... (full context)

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

...she earnestly desires Anne’s happiness as her own daughter, she comes to appreciate Captain Wentworth. Mary is pleased that her sister has married better than the Musgrove sisters and takes some... (full context)