Captain Benwick Character Analysis in Persuasion

The friend of Captain Wentworth from the navy, Captain Benwick is scholarly and reserved. He was engaged to Captain Harville’s sister, Fanny, who passed away while he was at sea. Despite his melancholy manner, he gets over his mourning with some help from Anne and pretty soon afterwards falls in love with Louisa Musgrove.

Captain Benwick Character Timeline in Persuasion

The timeline below shows where the character Captain Benwick appears in Persuasion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Captain Benwick, a former lieutenant, is also staying with them; his excellent character and grief over the... (full context)

The entire company goes for an afternoon stroll along the seaside. Captain Benwick converses with Anne; Captain Harville later praises her for her help in rejuvenating his widower... (full context)

...it is clear Mrs. Harville has been doing all the work. Anne inquires after Captain Benwick, and Charles amusedly reports of his great admiration for Anne; he is convinced that Captain... (full context)

...who have just arrived in town. Mary writes with surprising news that Louisa and Captain Benwick are to be married. Anne marvels at this match between the lively and spirited Louisa... (full context)

...and they engage in warm and friendly conversation. They discuss the engagement between Louisa and Benwick; Anne delicately inquires as to Captain Wentworth’s feelings on the matter, and Admiral Croft relates... (full context)

...Captain Wentworth and Anne make small talk for a while, before discussing Louisa and Captain Benwick. He expresses his doubts as to the goodness of the match; though they have good... (full context)

...Lyme for a time and was extremely relieved to learn of her engagement with Captain Benwick. (full context)