Every 10 or 15 years, a new attempt is made to adapt “Persuasion,” Jane Austen’s emotionally nuanced final novel. The latest iteration, directed by Carrie Cracknell and written by Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow, takes significant liberties with language and tone. Austen’s Anne Elliot is a good-natured and competent young woman who is overlooked by her silly family and unhealed from the heartbreak of her former engagement to Captain Wentworth eight years prior.
In the Netflix film (which is now streaming), Anne (Dakota Johnson) is a wine-toting klutz who tends to blurt out her thoughts at large dinner parties à la Bridget Jones. When her father Sir Walter (Richard E. Grant) goes into debt, the family moves to a slightly smaller mansion in another town, bringing Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) and another suitor, Mr. Elliot (Henry Golding) back into the fold.
Austen purists will be relieved that most of the original characters (minus Mrs. Smith) remain intact – meaning that there are quite a few names and relations to keep straight. With that in mind, TheWrap rounds up the essential names and faces, from Kellynch Hall and Uppercross to Lyme and Bath.
Note: Character descriptions are modeled on the film, not the book.
Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot
“Persuasion”s heroine is the middle Elliot sister, superior of heart, mind and soul. Her kindness and patience with even her most insufferable relations makes her a favorite with everyone outside of her immediate family. Nearly a decade before the story begins, she breaks off her engagement to the love of her life, Wentworth, and now copes by drinking lots of fine wine. Anne is played by “Fifty Shades of Gray” star Dakota Johnson, who most recently starred in “Cha Cha Real Smooth.”
Cosmo Jarvis as Frederick Wentworth
That’s Captain Wentworth to you. In the years since Anne Elliot ended their romance, Wentworth has upped his social standing – and net worth – by becoming a respected Navy officer. Confident, handsome and slightly stoic, he’s one of his social circle’s most eligible bachelors. “Lady Macbeth” and “Peaky Blinders” actor Cosmo Jarvis portrays him in the film.
Henry Golding as Mr. Elliot
Henry Golding of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame plays Mr. Elliot, Anne’s dashing cousin and Sir Walter’s heir. He re-enters the Elliots’ lives after a long absence and puts on the charm to get back into their good graces.
Richard E. Grant as Sir Walter Elliot
Anne’s vain and frivolous father is played by Richard E. Grant, the venerable stage and screen actor known for “Withnail & I,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” and “Gosford Park” among other projects. If only Sir Walter cared for his budget as much as he does his own reflection! When his debts catch up to him, that catalyzes the family’s move from Kellynch Hall – which they rent to the Crofts – to Bath.
Nikki Amuka-Bird as Lady Russell
Lady Russell stepped in when Anne’s mother passed away and has served as a loving and loyal advisor ever since. She persuaded Anne to end her relationship with Wentworth because he didn’t have enough funds to provide for her at the time. You might recognize Nikki Amuka-Bird from recent films like “The Outfit” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old.”
Yolanda Kettle as Elizabeth Elliot
Elizabeth (right) is the eldest of the Elliot sisters. Truly her father’s daughter, she’s snobby, judgmental and dismissive of Anne. Actress Yolanda Kettle has appeared in films like “Made In Italy” and played Camilla Fry, Antony Armstrong-Jones’ mistress in “The Crown.”
Mia McKenna-Bruce as Mary Musgrove
Anne’s younger sister is just as proud as her oldest sister and father, but with a dramatic flair of the hypochondriac variety. While Elizabeth and Sir Walter settle in Bath, she enlists Anne to stay with her at Uppercross and help take care of the children she shares with her husband Charles. She’s played by Mia Mckenna-Bruce, known for the British TV show “The Dumping Ground” and Netflix’s “Get Even.”
Nia Towle as Louisa Musgrove
Louisa is Charles’ younger sister and a dear companion to Anne. She encourages Anne to pursue Wentworth once he’s back in the picture, before setting her own sights on him. Actress Nia Towle previously featured in the TV Movie “The Hollow” and “Rocketman.”
Izuka Hoyle as Henrietta Musgrove
Charles’ other sister is Henrietta. Like Louisa, she’s lively, happy and loves a good piece of gossip as much as anyone. She’s portrayed by Izuka Hoyle, who played Dana in “The Wheel of Time,” Wren in “The Outpost,” and Mary Seton in “Mary Queen of Scots.”
Lydia Rose Bewley as Penelope Clay
Penelope Clay (left) is an Elliot groupie who befriends Elizabeth and accompanies her and Sir Walter to Bath. She is a widow and the daughter of Mr. Shepherd, a financial advisor to Sir Walter. Various characters, particularly Lady Russell, are suspicious that she “has designs” to seduce and marry Sir Walter. Lydia Rose Bewley played Jane in “The Inbetweeners” films and acted in “Drunk History: UK.”
Ben Bailey-Smith as Charles Musgrove
Charles Musgrove is Mary’s better half, and the brother of Louisa and Henrietta. Ben Bailey-Smith recently appeared in Apple TV+’s “Suspicion” and “Cinderella” with Camila Cabello.
Stewart Scudamore as Admiral Croft
Admiral Croft is a naval officer who rents Kellynch Hall from Sir Walter Elliot when his debts catch up to him. He’s played by Stewart Scudamore, who also played Dr. Quantock in “The Electric Life of Louis Wain” and has held roles in shows like “Miracle Workers” and “The Great”.
Agni Scott as Mrs. Croft
Agni Scott plays Mrs. Croft, the wife of Admiral Croft and the sister of Frederick Wentworth. She played Camilla in “Bridget Jones’s Baby” (a sequel to a film loosely based on another Austen classic, “Pride and Prejudice”) and most recently acted in “The Bay of Silence.”
Edward Bluemel as Captain Harville
Captain Harville is a good friend of Captain Wentworth’s from the navy. He’s played by Edward Bluemel, who you might know as MI6 agent Hugo Turner from “Killing Eve.” Bluemel also played Luke Nightingale in “Ten Percent” and Marcus Whitmore in “A Discovery of Witches.”
Afolabi Alli as Captain Benwick
Captain Benwick (right), another naval pal of Wentworth’s, is a widower mourning the death of his wife Frances (Captain Harville’s sister). A scholarly man, Benwick and Anne bond over their shared love of poetry and literature. Afolabi Alli will next be seen in “Game of Thrones” spinoff series “House of the Dragon.”
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"Persuasion" by Jane Austen
"Persuasion" is the final novel written by Jane Austen, a renowned English author. It is known for its emotionally nuanced storytelling and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel follows the story of Anne Elliot, a good-natured and competent young woman who is overlooked by her family and still heartbroken from breaking off her engagement with Captain Wentworth eight years prior.
Carrie Cracknell (Director)
Carrie Cracknell is the director of the latest adaptation of "Persuasion." She is known for her work in theater and has directed numerous acclaimed productions.
Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow (Writers)
Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow are the writers of the screenplay for the latest adaptation of "Persuasion." Ron Bass is an American screenwriter known for his work on films such as "Rain Man" and "My Best Friend's Wedding." Alice Victoria Winslow is a British writer and playwright.
Dakota Johnson (Anne Elliot)
Dakota Johnson portrays the character of Anne Elliot in the Netflix film adaptation of "Persuasion." Dakota Johnson is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Fifty Shades of Grey" and "The Social Network."
Cosmo Jarvis (Frederick Wentworth)
Cosmo Jarvis plays the role of Captain Frederick Wentworth in the film. He is a British actor known for his performances in movies like "Lady Macbeth" and the TV series "Peaky Blinders."
Henry Golding (Mr. Elliot)
Henry Golding, famous for his role in "Crazy Rich Asians," portrays the character of Mr. Elliot in the film adaptation of "Persuasion." Mr. Elliot is Anne Elliot's dashing cousin and Sir Walter's heir.
Richard E. Grant (Sir Walter Elliot)
Richard E. Grant plays the role of Sir Walter Elliot, Anne Elliot's vain and frivolous father. Richard E. Grant is a well-known stage and screen actor, recognized for his work in films like "Withnail & I" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
Nikki Amuka-Bird (Lady Russell)
Nikki Amuka-Bird portrays the character of Lady Russell, a loving and loyal advisor to Anne Elliot. Lady Russell persuaded Anne to end her relationship with Captain Wentworth due to financial concerns. Nikki Amuka-Bird has appeared in recent films like "The Outfit" and M. Night Shyamalan's "Old."
Yolanda Kettle (Elizabeth Elliot)
Yolanda Kettle plays the role of Elizabeth Elliot, Anne's snobby and dismissive older sister. Yolanda Kettle has appeared in films such as "Made In Italy" and played Camilla Fry in "The Crown."
Mia McKenna-Bruce (Mary Musgrove)
Mia McKenna-Bruce portrays the character of Mary Musgrove, Anne's younger sister. Mary is proud and hypochondriacal. Mia McKenna-Bruce is known for her roles in the British TV show "The Dumping Ground" and Netflix's "Get Even."
Nia Towle (Louisa Musgrove)
Nia Towle plays the role of Louisa Musgrove, Charles Musgrove's younger sister and a dear companion to Anne. Louisa encourages Anne to pursue Captain Wentworth. Nia Towle has appeared in the TV movie "The Hollow" and "Rocketman."
Izuka Hoyle (Henrietta Musgrove)
Izuka Hoyle portrays the character of Henrietta Musgrove, Charles Musgrove's other sister. Henrietta is lively and loves gossip. Izuka Hoyle has appeared in TV shows like "The Wheel of Time" and "The Outpost," as well as the film "Mary Queen of Scots."
Lydia Rose Bewley (Penelope Clay)
Lydia Rose Bewley plays the role of Penelope Clay, an Elliot groupie who befriends Elizabeth Elliot. Penelope is suspected of having designs to seduce and marry Sir Walter. Lydia Rose Bewley is known for her role as Jane in "The Inbetweeners" films and has acted in "Drunk History: UK."
Ben Bailey-Smith (Charles Musgrove)
Ben Bailey-Smith portrays the character of Charles Musgrove, Mary Musgrove's husband and the brother of Louisa and Henrietta. Ben Bailey-Smith has appeared in Apple TV+'s "Suspicion" and the film "Cinderella."
Stewart Scudamore (Admiral Croft)
Stewart Scudamore plays the role of Admiral Croft, a naval officer who rents Kellynch Hall from Sir Walter Elliot. Stewart Scudamore has appeared in films like "The Electric Life of Louis Wain" and TV shows like "Miracle Workers" and "The Great."
Agni Scott (Mrs. Croft)
Agni Scott portrays the character of Mrs. Croft, the wife of Admiral Croft and the sister of Captain Wentworth. Agni Scott has appeared in films like "Bridget Jones's Baby" and "The Bay of Silence."
Edward Bluemel (Captain Harville)
Edward Bluemel plays the role of Captain Harville, a good friend of Captain Wentworth from the navy. Edward Bluemel is known for his role as MI6 agent Hugo Turner in "Killing Eve" and has appeared in shows like "Ten Percent" and "A Discovery of Witches."
Afolabi Alli (Captain Benwick)
Afolabi Alli portrays the character of Captain Benwick, another naval friend of Captain Wentworth's. Captain Benwick is a widower mourning the death of his wife. Afolabi Alli will be seen in the "Game of Thrones" spinoff series "House of the Dragon."
Please note that the information provided above is based on the details mentioned in the article you provided.