Old Mr. Dashwood
Old Mr. Dashwood is the owner of a large estate in Sussex called Norland Park. Following the death of his sister, Mr.
Dashwood invites his nephew Mr. Henry Dashwood to come live with him at Norland. The younger Mr. Dashwood brings
John Dashwood, his son from a previous marriage, as well as the three daughters born to his present wife. John Dashwood is
grown and married, and has a four-year-old son, Harry. When Old Mr. Dashwood dies, he leaves his estate to John and little
Harry, who had much endeared himself to the old man. But now John's father, Henry Dashwood, is left with no way of
supporting his wife and three daughters, and he too dies one year later, leaving only ten thousand pounds for his family. Just
before his death, he makes his son John promise to care for his stepmother and three half-sisters.
Mr. John Dashwood initially intends to keep his promise and treat his female relatives generously, but his wife Fanny, a
narrow-min...