CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: This version of Jane Austen’s story is a true ensemble play. Almost all characters appear in multiple scenes, have roughly equal size roles, and are on stage a good deal of the time. As a result, it will not be possible to play a large role, or play one of the Gossips, if you plan to play a Fall Sport.

MALE OR FEMALE CHARACTERS

THE GOSSIPS - (various ages) all large roles A group of 6 actors who represent British society in the world of Jane Austen. They are on stage throughout the entire play, like a 19th Century Greek Chorus, commenting on the action, eavesdropping on scenes, moving the plot forward, and also interacting directly with other characters at various times in the play. They thrive on gossip and are always eager to hear or share the latest rumors. While they often function as a whole, or in small groups, each Gossip also has a distinct personality -- one is sarcastic, one is hopelessly romantic, one is pragmatic about money, one is slightly dense, etc. Throughout the rehearsal process, each actor will have the opportunity to develop a unique characterization and identity for their individual “Gossip.”

FEMALE CHARACTERS

MISS ELINOR DASHWOOD - (19-20) - large role The eldest of the Dashwood sisters, she is intelligent, sensible, practical, kind, and, above all, reserved and self-contained. She guards herself from acting on her emotions, even when distraught and broken-hearted. She always keeps her feelings to herself and makes sure that her mother and sisters are untroubled by her private heartbreak. She looks for the good in others, but also quite accurately assesses a lack of character in others, even if she does not voice her observations. Her head rules her heart, and she is the “sense” of the title.

MISS MARIANNE DASHWOOD - (16-18) - large role The middle Dashwood sister, she is emotional, romantic, effusive and sensitive. Very intelligent, and attracted to all aspects of the arts, she reads the Romantic poets, loves Shakespeare, and plays the piano. She wears her emotions on her sleeve and is unwaveringly honest in her feelings. In fact, she is incapable of telling a lie and cannot flatter, or behave in any way that is contrary to what she feels. She falls in love quickly and is incapable of hiding her sadness when love ends. Her emotions rule her entire being, and she is the “sensibility” of the title. . MRS. DASHWOOD - (40-45) - large role The widowed mother of the Dashwood sisters, she is a proud, kind, and loving woman who wants the best for her daughters. She hopes to see them lead happy, comfortable lives with good husbands, but is truly more interested in her daughters’ happiness than in their financial fortunes. She is most like Marianne in temperament and can be impractical and prone to making snap decisions.

MRS. JENNINGS - (50-55) - large role The widowed mother of Lady Middleton, she is a robust, cheery, and boisterous busybody who is constantly occupied with the social obligations of her class. She is always busily doing something, though she always finds time to match-make and tease the Dashwood girls. She also acts as a surrogate mother for them, while they are in London, and there is a genuine affection for them beneath her playfulness and frivolity.

MARGARET DASHWOOD - (12-14) - medium role The youngest Dashwood sister, she is affectionate, honest and fun loving. She is very much like Marianne in her romantic notions and high emotions, and is an enthusiastic and very likable girl.

MRS. FANNY DASHWOOD - (25-30) - medium role The wife of John Dashwood and sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars, she is a most unpleasant woman. Cold, selfish and inconsiderate, she represents the spoiled and selfish wealthy class of Austen's time. Money and status are her main concerns. The Dashwood women do not like her, which is immaterial because she does not like them.

MISS LUCY STEELE - (16-18) - medium role The younger of the two Steele sisters, she is willful and manipulative and can, beneath her overly polite manners, be quite cruel. She is fawning, calculating, and insincere, and she flatters to get what she wants. Marianne cannot abide her, though Elinor tolerates her.

MISS ANNE STEELE - (18-20) - small role Lucy’s older sister, she is jealous and slightly dim-witted. Silly and giddy, she frequently fails to behave with tact and manners. She talks virtually non-stop, but only about “beaus.”

LADY MIDDLETON - (30-35) - small role The well-bred and somewhat bored wife of Sir John Middleton and the daughter of Mrs. Jennings. She is very concerned with how people view her and thinks her house and her parties are the best in the county. She can also be quite disapproving of others, which causes the Dashwoods to dislike her. (May be doubled with Mrs. Ferrars.)

MRS. FERRARS - (60ish) - small non-speaking role Edward and Fanny’s mother, she is a formidable and extremely unpleasant woman. She rules the Ferrars family with an iron fist, though she favors her youngest son Robert, over her other children. (May be doubled with Lady Middleton.)

MALE CHARACTERS

MR. EDWARD FERRARS - (20-25) - large role Fanny Dashwood’s brother and John’s brother-in-law. He is a bachelor and a gentleman. Shy, bumbling, and honorable, he yearns for a private, quiet life of domesticity. He is not a smooth talker, nor is he terribly interested in art or literature. But he is honest and loyal, and always does what he thinks is right. He is in love with Elinor, but his active conscience prevents him from breaking off his engagement to Lucy Steele.

MR. JOHN WILLOUGHBY - (20-25) - large role An unusually handsome bachelor who is attractive, graceful, and cultured. He seems to be wooing Marianne, but does not consider her reputation in light of his other relationships. He gives her large gifts and his actions in her regard encourage gossip. Despite his charm and good humor, he ultimately favors money over love, and treats those who love him with indifference.

COLONEL BRANDON - (35-40) - large role A retired military officer and a friend of Sir John Middleton. He is quiet, dependable and caring. He falls in love with Marianne and also befriends her family, often helping them in moments of crisis. He always acts honorably and generously, even when Marianne ignores him.

MR. JOHN DASHWOOD - (30-35) - medium role The son of Mr. Henry Dashwood from his first marriage. He promised his father he would care for his stepmother and stepsisters, but is easily persuaded to give them nothing by his wife. He always sides with his wife, even when her actions hurt others.

SIR JOHN MIDDLETON - (40-45) - medium role The owner of Barton Park and husband to Lady Middleton. He is pleasant and friendly, and does all he can to make the Dashwoods feel at home. He is outgoing and friendly and hunting is his primary amusement. He also enjoys getting dances and parties together so the young people can enjoy themselves. (May double with Doctor Milford.)

MR. ROBERT FERRARS (18-20) - small role Edward and Fanny’s youngest brother, he is a silly, superficial, and entitled idiot. This is a small role, appearing in only one scene, but it has the potential of a show-stopping comic moment.

DOCTOR MILFORD - (50ish) - small role A country doctor who tends to Marianne when she becomes ill. This is a small role, appearing in only one scene. (May be doubled with Robert Ferrars.)