Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded: Analysis of Major Characters
"Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded" is a novel that explores themes of virtue, social class, and gender dynamics through the story of Pamela Andrews, a virtuous servant girl. Following the death of her mistress, Pamela faces unwanted advances from her employer, Mr. B———, which leads to her being isolated at his country estate. Despite the challenges and threats to her virtue, Pamela remains steadfast in her principles, ultimately winning Mr. B———’s respect and love, resulting in an honorable marriage.
Key characters include Pamela's supportive parents, John and Elizabeth Andrews, and the various figures around her, such as Mrs. Jervis, the housekeeper who protects her, and Mrs. Jewkes, who represents the antagonistic forces against her. Mr. Williams, the local minister, is initially entangled in Mr. B———'s scheme but later plays a crucial role in marrying Pamela and Mr. B———. The evolving attitudes of characters like Lady Davers and Sir Jacob Swynford highlight themes of class prejudice and the transformative power of virtue. This analysis of major characters illustrates how personal integrity can challenge societal norms and ultimately reshape relationships.
Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Samuel Richardson
First published: 1740–1741
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Epistolary
Time: Early eighteenth century
Pamela Andrews, a virtuous servant girl of Lady B———, mistress of an estate in Bedfordshire. After the death of her mistress, she intends to return home but is persuaded to stay by the son, Mr. B———, who promises to be a good master to her. Later, she has cause to suspect his intentions; after he makes a series of attempts on her virtue, she determines to leave. The coach, however, deposits her at Mr. B———'s country estate, where she is held prisoner. She meets the local minister, Mr. Williams. She tries several times to escape. Finally Mr. B———, moved by her virtue, offers her an honorable marriage, and she accepts his proposal. Despite anonymous letters and suspicions of other love affairs, she remains faithful and eventually turns Mr. B——— into an honorable husband.
John Andrews and Elizabeth Andrews, the parents of Pamela.
Mr. B———, the young squire who plots against Pamela's virtue, tries to seduce her, proposes to make her his mistress on carefully outlined terms, and then finally marries her.
Lady Davers, the daughter of Lady B———, who at first opposes her brother's marriage to a servant. She begins to sympathize with Pamela after reading the many letters the girl had written her parents, and she is finally won over completely by Pamela's beauty and virtue.
Mrs. Jervis, Mr. B———'s kindhearted housekeeper. For a time, she protects Pamela's honor. When Mr. B——— tries to intimidate her, she and Pamela determine to leave together.
Mrs. Jewkes, the villainous ex-prostitute caretaker of Mr. B———'s country estate. She tries to further her employer's plots against Pamela's virtue and keeps the girl a prisoner.
Mr. Williams, the country clergyman of Lincolnshire who loves Pamela. Though the first proposal of marriage from him is part of Mr. B———'s scheme, he does seek to marry her. Discovered smuggling her letters out of the house, he is thrown into jail on a trumped-up charge. Eventually, when Mr. B——— repents, Mr. Williams performs the marriage ceremony and receives a permanent vicarage.
Sally Godfrey, a former sweetheart of Mr. B———, by whom he has a daughter. After her marriage, Pamela offers to take the child under her own care.
The Daughter of Sally and Mr. B———.
Billy, the son of Pamela and Mr. B———.
A Countess, with whom Mr. B——— is philandering while Pamela is bearing his child. By reading some of Pamela's letters, she learns the punishment for those who depart from the path of virtue.
Mr. Longman, the steward of Mr. B———.
John, Mr. B———'s groom, who carries most of Pamela's letters to her parents but keeps some for his master.
Robin, the coachman forced to take Pamela to Mr. B———'s country estate.
Nan, the rude servant who guards Pamela at Mr. B———'s estate.
Lady Jones, a neighbor who will give Pamela refuge if she succeeds in escaping from Mr. B———'s country estate.
Sir Simon Darnford and Lady Darnford, friends of Mr. B——— who want to help free Pamela.
Mrs. Towers, a neighbor who criticizes Pamela.
Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks, neighbors.
Mrs. Arthur, another critical neighbor, who visits the new bride.
Sir Jacob Swynford, Mr. B———'s uncle. Prepared to dislike his nephew's humble bride, he is won over by Pamela's charm and virtue.