The protagonist of the novel, Anne Elliot is a demure woman, “with an elegance of mind and a sweetness of character” that go wholly unrecognized by her family (7). Only Lady Russell perceives Anne’s worth and makes a close friend of her. This intimacy once caused Anne to be persuaded by Lady Russell to refuse Captain Wentworth’s marriage proposal on the grounds of his inferior social status and small income. In the eight years since Anne has last seen Wentworth, she has grown more independent of mind and can distinguish her own opinions from those of Lady Russell and her family. The pride that drives much of the Elliot’s behavior does not motivate Anne; she enjoys the company of characters such as the Crofts, whom the Elliots disdain.

Anne’s character rapidly develops after the reintroduction of Captain Wentworth to her life. She begins the novel as quiet, self-critical, and embarrassed, but once the Musgroves welcome her as part of their family and show her the attention she never received from her own family, Anne develops more confidence. By the conclusion of the novel, Anne has attained enough confidence and self-assurance to approach Captain Wentworth of her own accord.