
Opening of the story
Sir Walter's Vanity and Family
Sir Walter Elliot, a vain baronet, takes great pride in his appearance and his lineage, as recorded in the Baronetage. He lives at Kellynch Hall with his two unmarried daughters, Elizabeth and Anne, while his youngest daughter Mary is married to Charles Musgrove. Sir Walter's vanity and extravagance have led to mounting debts, and he is forced to consider retrenchment.