Maria and Julia - What self-absorbed selfish children. They do not improve as they grow, not being taught to share and running to Aunt Norris instead of their mother because she is just as selfish and self-absorbed as they are. This is a shame because Julia is one of my favourite names. Who cares if a child cannot put Europe together and confuses the Isle of Wight with Ireland? I would prefer to be kind than clever and selfish.
Tom Bertram - I do not see his future being bright - he is just as spoilt and selfish as his sisters. Not thinking that his actions will have consequences for his little brother.
Edmund - At least someone in the family is trying to get to the heart of Fanny’s melancholy. He helps her to write to her beloved brother - interestingly not her mother. Gives her confidence to ride, even insists she should have a horse when her old grey pony dies, even if he has to circumvent his aunt and mother to make it happen. So far I like him.
Mrs Norris - What a horrible person. If I was in that parish she would be the last person I’d want as a vicar's wife. Such a selfish snob. It was her idea to bring Fanny to Mansfield, but she placed her care on Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram.
Lady Bertram - I am astonished she had four children. Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram must have had some attraction. I just cannot figure out what it was… At least she has somewhat accepted Fanny is part of her life. I dread what would have happened had she married an equally indolent parent in another work of Jane Austen.
Henry and Mary Crawford - Ooo do I sense they will be the terrible twosome!
Juliet Stevenson has infused life into this story that I could never achieve alone.
Is it all right I wish for Mrs Norris to die?
