Persuasion

The novel opens with the vain “Sir Walter”, baronet of Kellynch Hall, poring over the Elliot family history. His wife passed away fourteen years ago, leaving behind three daughters: the youngest daughter, “Mary”, is married to the wealthy “Charles Musgrove”. Proud and beautiful “Elizabeth” is the eldest and her father’s favorite; “Anne” is gentle and sweet, but often overlooked by her father and sister. Their mother’s best friend, “Lady Russell”, helped “Sir Walter” raise his children. She remains a close and trusted family friend and maternal figure for “Anne”. The Elliots are an aristocratic, land-owning family. They have fallen into debt due to the extravagant spending of “Sir Walter”, and under the counsel of “Lady Russell” and “Mr. Shepherd” – the family lawyer – they rent their estate to Admiral and Mrs. “Croft” and move to Bath.