Sense and Sensibility Summary

Plot overview

Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood women after the death of Mr. Dashwood leaves the family estate to a distant male heir, forcing Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters to leave Norland and find a more modest home. The novel explores how the sisters, Elinor and Marianne, respond to reduced circumstances and new social realities while negotiating affection, duty, and reputation.

Elinor is the restrained, practical eldest sister who manages the family’s finances and conceals her own disappointments; Marianne is ardent, romantic, and openly expressive with her feelings. The story introduces a small circle of neighbors and suitors — the steady Colonel Brandon, the charming but unpredictable Willoughby, the shy Edward Ferrars, and the socially assertive Middletons and Palmers — whose interactions with the Dashwoods test loyalties, reveal secrets, and expose the constraints of money and convention.

Austen’s narrative centers on social obligations, class expectations, and the contrast between outward decorum and interior feeling. Through conversations, misunderstandings, and the sisters’ responses to seduction, secrecy, and social maneuvering, the novel maps how personal character and prudence affect prospects and relationships in a society where inheritance and reputation shape lives.

Chapter summaries

1. Chapter 1: Introduction to the DashwoodsThe Dashwood family loses Norland; the inheritance rules favor a young boy, leaving Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters with limited means.
2. Chapter 2: Household Claims and MoneyMrs. John Dashwood assumes control at Norland and she and her husband debate how much, if anything, to give Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters.
3. Chapter 3: Settling Opinions and ProspectsMrs. Dashwood lingers at Norland, warms to Edward Ferrars, and imagines a likely match between him and Elinor while Marianne critiques him.
4. Chapter 4: Elinor's Caution and a New HomeElinor tempers Marianne's enthusiasm about Edward, revealing doubts about his prospects, and Mrs. Dashwood accepts Sir John Middleton's offer of Barton Cottage.
5. Chapter 5: Preparing to Leave NorlandMrs. Dashwood secures a furnished cottage in Devonshire, arranges the move, and she and her daughters prepare emotionally to leave Norland.
6. Chapter 6: Arrival and First VisitsThe Dashwood women arrive at Barton Cottage, settle in, and are warmly welcomed by Sir John and Lady Middleton, who invite them to Barton Park.
7. Chapter 7: Visit to Barton ParkMrs. Dashwood and her daughters visit Barton Park, meet the hospitable Middletons and Colonel Brandon, and Marianne impresses with her music.
8. Chapter 8: Mrs. Jennings' ObservationsMrs. Jennings insists Colonel Brandon loves Marianne; the Dashwoods debate his age and Marianne worries about Edward Ferrars' absence.
9. Chapter 9: Marianne Meets WilloughbyMarianne and Margaret walk on the downs; Marianne slips, is carried home by a handsome nearby gentleman named Willoughby who promises to call.
10. Chapter 10: Willoughby's Visit and AttachmentWilloughby calls, charms the Dashwoods, and quickly becomes the object of Marianne's intense admiration while Colonel Brandon's quiet regard is noted.
11. Chapter 11: Social Life and Private OpinionsAt Sir John's gatherings Marianne and Willoughby grow openly attached while Elinor finds sympathy in Colonel Brandon and worries about Marianne's imprudence.
12. Chapter 12: Willoughby's Gift and SuspicionsMarianne accepts Willoughby's gifted horse, Elinor objects; Margaret and others infer an engagement; a party to visit a nearby estate is planned.
13. Chapter 13: A ruined excursion and AllenhamA planned trip to Whitwell is cancelled when Colonel Brandon must leave for urgent business, and Marianne secretly visits Allenham with Willoughby.
14. Chapter 14: Secrecy and Cottage AttachmentMrs. Jennings speculates about Colonel Brandon’s sudden departure while Elinor puzzles over Willoughby and Marianne’s secrecy; Willoughby declares his devotion to Barton Cottage and Marianne.
15. Chapter 15: Willoughby's Sudden DepartureWilloughby abruptly leaves for London after a tense encounter; Marianne breaks down and the family debates what his conduct means.
16. Chapter 16: Marianne's Grief and an Unexpected VisitorMarianne grieves constantly for Willoughby; no letters arrive, and Edward Ferrars unexpectedly visits Barton, showing surprising reserve.
17. Chapter 17: Edward's Visit and ConversationEdward Ferrars visits Barton, is warmly received, discusses ambition, money, and character with the Dashwoods, and grows pensive.
18. Chapter 18: Tea, a Ring, and WilloughbyEdward's reserved manner puzzles Elinor and Marianne; Marianne notices a ring of hair, visitors arrive, and Edward teases about Willoughby.
19. Chapter 19: Edward's Departure and VisitorsEdward leaves after a short, melancholy visit; Elinor steadies herself while unexpected visitors, the Palmers and the Middletons, arrive.
20. Chapter 20: Visits, Invitations, and GossipAt Sir John's house Mrs. Palmer chatters, presses the Dashwood sisters to visit, and spreads talk about Willoughby and Colonel Brandon.
21. Chapter 21: New Guests at BartonTwo cousins, the Miss Steeles, arrive at Barton Park and quickly ingratiate themselves with Lady Middleton and Sir John, while Elinor judges their manners and curiosity about the Ferrars name.
22. Chapter 22: Lucy’s Secret EngagementLucy Steele reveals she has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars for four years, shocking Elinor.
23. Chapter 23: Elinor learns truthElinor accepts Lucy Steele’s account that Edward is engaged to Lucy, conceals her pain, and seeks an opportunity to question Lucy privately.
24. Chapter 24: Lucy and Elinor's ConfidenceElinor and Lucy discuss Lucy's engagement to Edward Ferrars, its difficulties, and possible solutions while other guests listen.
25. Chapter 25: Invitation to LondonMrs. Jennings invites the Dashwood sisters to spend winter in London; after debate, their mother agrees and they decide to go in early January.
26. Chapter 26: Arrival in London and ExpectationElinor and Marianne arrive in London with Mrs. Jennings; Marianne anxiously awaits news from Willoughby and is repeatedly disappointed.
27. Chapter 27: London: Invitations and RumoursElinor and Marianne settle in town; Willoughby’s arrival and rumours of Marianne’s engagement unsettle Elinor, while Colonel Brandon reveals his love.
28. Chapter 28: Marianne's Public EmbarrassmentWilloughby appears at a crowded party, avoids Marianne, and her public hurt forces an immediate return home and anguished reflection.
29. Chapter 29: Marianne's Letters and RuinMarianne receives Willoughby's letter of rejection and collapses; Elinor reads the harsh denial and tries to comfort her sister.
30. Chapter 30: Marianne's Discovery and ConsolationMrs. Jennings learns and announces Willoughby's marriage to Miss Grey, Marianne collapses in grief, and friends try to comfort her.
31. Chapter 31: Brandon's Story and Marianne's PainMarianne's grief over Willoughby continues while Colonel Brandon reveals a tragic past that implicates Willoughby in another woman's ruin.
32. Chapter 32: Marianne's grief and society's reactionMarianne learns of Willoughby's marriage and sinks into gloomy dejection while society reacts with indignation and officious sympathy.
33. Chapter 33: A Walk and ProspectsElinor and Marianne go to Gray's with Mrs. Jennings, meet their brother John in town, and hear his speculative talk about fortunes and matches.
34. Chapter 34: A Formal Dinner and TensionsThe Dashwoods entertain the Middletons and Mrs. Ferrars; social airs, rivalries, and Marianne's emotional outbreak reveal character tensions.
35. Chapter 35: An awkward visitElinor learns more about Mrs. Ferrars, Lucy exults in perceived favour, and an awkward reunion brings tensions between Edward, Lucy, Elinor, and Marianne.
36. Chapter 36: Visits, Invitations, and AppearancesA new birth prompts constant visits; social manoeuvring in London produces awkward invitations and introduces Mr. Robert Ferrars to Elinor.
37. Chapter 37: The Secret Engagement RevealedMrs. Jennings announces that Edward Ferrars has been secretly engaged to Lucy for over a year, and Elinor must tell Marianne.
38. Chapter 38: news, meetings, and a letterElinor learns more about Edward and Lucy’s engagement through Miss Steele’s chatter and receives a confirming letter from Lucy.
39. Chapter 39: Plans to Return HomeThe Dashwood sisters arrange a route home via the Palmers at Cleveland, and Colonel Brandon quietly offers Mr. Ferrars a small living through Elinor.
40. Chapter 40: Brandon's Offer and Edward's GratitudeColonel Brandon offers Edward the living at Delaford through Elinor; Edward reacts with deep gratitude and surprise, and Mrs. Jennings gleefully plans improvements.
41. Chapter 41: News, reactions, and society viewsElinor visits the Dashwoods; news that Colonel Brandon has given Edward the living of Delaford spreads, provoking varied responses from John, Fanny, Robert, and Mrs. Ferrars's reputation discussed.
42. Chapter 42: Departure to ClevelandElinor and Marianne leave London for Cleveland; Marianne broods near Willoughby, falls ill after walks, and Colonel Brandon and Mr. Palmer arrive.
43. Chapter 43: Marianne's Illness and AlarmMarianne’s fever worsens, Elinor and others fear infection, Colonel Brandon rides off for Mrs. Dashwood, and Willoughby unexpectedly appears.
44. Chapter 44: Willoughby's Confession VisitWilloughby surprises Elinor with an urgent visit and explains, defensively and penitently, why he left Marianne and married for money.
45. Chapter 45: Marianne's Recovery and ProspectsMarianne recovers from her illness; Mrs. Dashwood arrives and learns Colonel Brandon loves Marianne, while Elinor wrestles with mixed feelings about Willoughby.
46. Chapter 46: Marianne's Recovery and ResolveMarianne recovers, returns to Barton, reflects on her past behavior, and hears Elinor’s account of Willoughby.
47. Chapter 47: Marianne's Recovery and News of Mr. FerrarsMarianne accepts Willoughby's failings while Elinor explains his selfishness; news arrives that Mr. Ferrars has married Lucy Steele, shocking Elinor.
48. Chapter 48: Edward's Unexpected VisitEdward unexpectedly visits the Dashwoods and reveals that his brother has just married Lucy Steele, leaving Elinor in deep private emotion.
49. Chapter 49: Edward's Release and ProposalEdward arrives freed from his engagement, proposes to Elinor, and the household reacts to Lucy's surprising marriage.
50. Chapter 50: Resolutions and MarriagesEdward wins Mrs. Ferrars's consent and marries Elinor; Robert and Lucy secure their position; Marianne marries Colonel Brandon; families settle happily.

Characters

• MMarianneProtagonist
• EElinorProtagonist
• MMrs. JenningsMajor character
• MMrs. DashwoodMajor character
• CColonel BrandonMajor character
• LLady MiddletonMinor character
• SSir JohnMajor character
• WWilloughbyMajor character
• EEdwardMajor character
• MMargaretMinor character
• MMrs. FerrarsAntagonist
• FFannyAntagonist

All 12 characters ›