Persuasion Anne Elliot Character Traits

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Characteristics and Traits: How to Drive Forward a Plot

J ane Austen’s “”Persuasion”” is a classic novel acknowledging the complications of love, honor, and duty. Following the life of Anne Elliot through her many trials and tribulations, “”Persuasion”” begins with her family’s seemingly sudden misfortune. Anne’s family has no respect for her and believe her capable of nothing, while depending on her for her many attributes. They depend on Anne for her faith, hope, and charity. She has strong, intuitive convictions and was willing to defend them, keeping her family and friends grounded in times of uncertainty. When such times arose, Anne kept everyone calm with confidence and optimism, never allowing herself to believe otherwise. Even with these traits Anne was still scoffed at for her kind and generous nature, helping out friends and family …show more content…

Austen wrote Anne with these traits for a reason; these defining characteristics are developed throughout the novel to drive the plot. While Anne’s every action is driven by these characteristics, there are three main events in which they truly drive the plot forward. Anne shows her faith when she develops a plan to save the family and Kellynch estate after everyone else has given up. When Louisa is involved in a terrible accident Anne’s cool confidence and optimism keeps everyone working together and very possibly saves Louisa’s life. And when her friend needs her, Anne goes to her immediately; in the process forgoing tradition, propriety, and her own desires. While Anne is the main character of this beloved novel, minor characters, when well written, drive forward the plot with their traits as well. Captain Wentworth is the perfect example. He exhibits tremendous hope and waits over eight years for Anne’s hand in marriage. Austen uses Anne and Wentworth’s possession of these qualities continually to drive forward

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