Robert Ferrars Character Analysis in Sense and Sensibility

Arrogant and conceited, he is the son of Mrs. Ferrars is the younger brother of Edward and Fanny. His mother favors him over his older brother, and she seems pleased to disinherit Edward and give that inheritance to Robert. Ironically, Robert ends up getting engaged to Lucy Steele, the same woman who's engagement to Edward caused him to be disinherited in the first place. Robert has none of his brothers sense or sensibility, and likes only to hear himself speak and be agreed with.

Robert Ferrars Character Timeline in Sense and Sensibility

The timeline below shows where the character Robert Ferrars appears in Sense and Sensibility. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Character, Sense, and Sensibility Theme Icon

...had seen ordering the toothpick case at the jeweler. John introduced him to her as Robert Ferrars, Edward’s brother. (full context)

Robert was very different from Edward, and appeared to dislike Elinor, much like his mother. He... (full context)

John said that all of Edward’s inheritance had now gone to his younger brother Robert. He again said that he pitied Edward’s situation, and then left. Marianne, Elinor, and Mrs.... (full context)

...was “one of the most affectionate mothers in the world,” and told Elinor that now Robert was planning to marry Miss Morton. (full context)

...had any choice in the matter, but John said that there was no difference between Robert and Edward from her point of view, as he had received Edward’s former fortune. John... (full context)

At this point, Robert Ferrars entered. John went to go get Fanny, and Robert began talking of Edward. He... (full context)

Edward explained that Lucy had married his brother Robert. On hearing this news, Elinor had to leave the room and “burst into tears of... (full context)

...week, enjoying spending time with Elinor. Elinor was puzzled by the marriage between Lucy and Robert, and Edward guessed that they had been drawn together by their vanity and mutual flattery. (full context)

...sure she had “long lost” Edward’s love, and that she had fallen in love with Robert. Elinor wondered how Mrs. Ferrars would take this news, but Edward said that Robert was... (full context)

...the Dashwoods, and especially Marianne. He heard and wondered at the news of Lucy and Robert, and Edward and Elinor. Edward and Brandon “advanced in the good opinion of each other,”... (full context)

...and made a pretense of “decent affection,” though her “real favour and preference” were for Robert, whom she quickly forgave for marrying Lucy. The narrator says that Lucy’s behavior is “a... (full context)

Robert had visited Lucy only to persuade her to give up her engagement to Edward, but... (full context)