Sense and Sensibility
Sir John Middleton
The hospitable cousin
A hearty country squire who offers the Dashwoods a cottage and tries to keep them busy with parties.
Sir John Middleton is Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin and the owner of Barton Park. He is loud, jovial and generous, a sportsman who loves a large party. His whole life seems devoted to finding pleasure for other people.
He offers the Dashwoods Barton Cottage on easy terms and sends them gifts of game. He loves matchmaking and is quick to tease the young people about their prospects. He is happiest when the house is full.
“Welcome to Barton! I insist you come dine at the Park every day until your cook is settled!”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
Sir John welcomes the Dashwoods and insists they dine at the Park every day. He tells them all about Willoughby, whom he calls a bold rider and the best dancer in the county, and later introduces his cousins the Misses Steele, newly arrived from Exeter. He organizes the picnic to Whitwell that Colonel Brandon is called away from.
He is a cheerful backdrop to the story, always producing company, and never quite noticing how much sorrow he is hosting.
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