AUDITIONS

Character Descriptions for Jane Austen’s Emma

Click on the character's name for the audition sides.

Emma Woodhouse

Emma Woodhouse, the novel’s protagonist, is a charming, intelligent, and wealthy young woman of twenty-one. She lives at Hartfield with her indulgent father. Confident in her own judgment and social skills, Emma is fond of matchmaking among her friends, often with unintended consequences. While essentially good-hearted and generous, her self-assurance sometimes leads her to misunderstand the feelings and motives of others. Throughout the novel, Emma learns from her missteps and grows in maturity and self-awareness.

Mr. George Knightley

Mr. Knightley is Emma’s close friend, neighbor, and eventual love interest. He is in his late thirties, sensible, honest, and principled. As the elder brother of Emma’s sister’s husband, he has known Emma all her life and feels comfortable offering her guidance and criticism. Mr. Knightley is respected by the community for his integrity and serves as a moral compass within the story, frequently challenging Emma’s ideas and actions with kindness and wisdom.

Harriet Smith

Harriet Smith is a sweet-natured, impressionable young woman of unknown parentage who attends Mrs. Goddard’s school. Emma takes Harriet under her wing, guiding her social development and encouraging her to aim above her perceived station. Harriet’s naivety and gratitude make her susceptible to Emma’s influence, leading to romantic confusion. Despite her modest background, Harriet proves herself to be good-hearted and loyal.

Mr. Woodhouse

Emma’s father, Mr. Woodhouse, is a gentle, hypochondriacal, and somewhat eccentric man. Overly concerned with health and safety, he dotes on his daughters and dislikes change or excitement. While his worries are often unfounded, his kindness and affection for those around him are never in doubt.

Frank Churchill

Frank Churchill, Mr. Weston’s son, is charming, handsome, and witty. Raised by his wealthy aunt and uncle, he is often absent from Highbury but makes a strong impression upon his visits. Frank’s playful behavior and flirtatious manner conceal deeper secrets and lead to misunderstandings among the central characters.

Jane Fairfax

Jane Fairfax is an orphan raised by her aunt, Miss Bates, and grandmother,

Mrs. Bates. She is accomplished, elegant, and reserved. Jane’s poise and

talents evoke both admiration and envy in Emma. Her quiet dignity and mysterious circumstances form a contrast to Emma’s privileged life.

Miss Hetty Bates

Miss Bates, the unmarried daughter of the former vicar, is a kind but talkative woman who lives with her elderly mother in reduced circumstances. She is beloved in the community for her cheerful disposition, humility, and generosity, despite her financial hardships.

Mr. Weston

Mr. Weston, a cheerful and sociable gentleman, is Frank Churchill’s father and the husband of Mrs. Weston. He is well-liked in the neighborhood for his good humor and hospitable nature.

Mrs. Weston (formerly Miss Taylor)

Mrs. Weston, Emma’s former governess and close confidante, is recently married to Mr. Weston. She is wise, patient, and nurturing, serving as a mother figure to Emma and providing thoughtful advice and support throughout the story.​

Philip Elton (Mr. Elton)

Mr. Elton is the ambitious and self-important vicar of Highbury. He is initially the object of Emma’s matchmaking attempts for Harriet, but his own aspirations complicate matters. His pursuit of social advancement leads to awkward situations and misunderstandings.

Augusta Elton (Mrs. Elton)

Mrs. Elton is Mr. Elton’s new wife, known for her ostentatious manners and condescending attitude. She is eager to establish herself as a leader in Highbury society, often overstepping social boundaries and causing irritation among the other characters.

John Knightley

Mr. Knightley’s younger brother and Emma’s brother-in-law, John Knightley is a practical and somewhat reserved man. He is devoted to his wife, Isabella, and their children, and often expresses skepticism about Highbury’s social scene.

Mr. Perry

Highbury's apothecary and Mr. Woodhouse's good friend. ​

Mrs. Bates

Miss Bates’s elderly mother, Mrs. Bates, is kindly and frail.

Mrs. Goddard/Crew - filled

Widowed owner of the local girls boarding school where Harriet Smith lives.