Fanny Thornton Character Analysis in North and South

John Thornton’s younger sister. She lacks all of Mrs. Thornton’s strong qualities, faints under stress, and often complaints of vague ailments. She was very young during the Thorntons’ years of poverty and, because of her brother’s success, is accustomed to comfort and ease. She marries Watson, a much older manufacturer.

Fanny Thornton Character Timeline in North and South

The timeline below shows where the character Fanny Thornton appears in North and South. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...the carriage, though she finally settles on doing so. Thornton prevails upon his younger sister, Fanny, who always complains of ailments and has none of her mother’s or brother’s strong qualities,... (full context)

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During the visit, Margaret must rack her brain to sustain a conversation with Fanny, who was very young during the Thorntons’ years of poverty and seems to know little... (full context)

At the Thorntons’ the next evening, Mrs. Thornton, John Thornton, and Fanny discuss the dinner RSVPs. Mrs. Thornton still isn’t quite sure what to make of the... (full context)

In the Thorntons’ drawing-room, Margaret sits alone for a while until Fanny comes in. Fanny explains that Thornton has imported workers from Ireland, and it has angered... (full context)

When the crowds knock the gate down, Fanny faints, and Mrs. Thornton carries her from the room. Margaret, however, won’t leave Thornton’s side.... (full context)

...Mrs. Thornton goes for a doctor, one of the serving-maids bathes Margaret’s forehead and tells Fanny, who has crept out of hiding, about the confrontation outside. Fanny is shocked that Margaret... (full context)

...absorbed in her own problems, beginning by chatting with Martha, her serving-maid, who reports that Fanny Thornton is soon to be married to a rich manufacturer. (full context)

...pay everyone what they are owed. A risky speculation has been offered to him by Fanny’s husband, Watson, which could make him rich but would destroy his conscience. Mrs. Thornton is... (full context)