William Walter Elliot

William Walter Elliot, the heir presumptive to the Kellynch baronetcy, is a figure of polished manners and hidden depths, whose re-entry into the lives of Sir Walter Elliot and his family sets in motion a complex web of ambition, deception, and romantic rivalry. His character serves as a crucial foil to Captain Frederick Wentworth, embodying a worldly, calculating approach to marriage and social standing that contrasts sharply with Wentworth's passionate integrity. Mr. Elliot's true nature, gradually revealed through his past actions and present machinations, becomes a central source of dramatic tension and moral clarification in the novel.

Identity and Background

William Walter Elliot is introduced in the Baronetage as the "Heir presumptive, William Walter Elliot, Esq., great grandson of the second Sir Walter" . As a very young man, just engaged in the study of the law, he was forced into an introduction to Elizabeth Elliot during one of the family's spring excursions to London . He was invited to Kellynch Hall and expected for the rest of the year, but he never came; the following spring he was again encouraged, invited, and expected, and again he did not come . Instead of pursuing the line marked out for the heir of the house of Elliot, he purchased independence by marrying a rich woman of inferior birth . Sir Walter resented this, feeling that as head of the house he ought to have been consulted, especially after taking the young man so publicly by the hand . Mr. Elliot attempted no apology and showed himself unsolicitous of being longer noticed by the family; all acquaintance between them ceased .

Return and Reconciliation with the Family

Years later, Mr. Elliot reappears in Bath, and his first object on arriving is to leave his card in Camden Place, following it up with assiduous endeavors to meet the family and great openness of conduct, readily apologizing for the past and showing solicitude to be received as a relation again . He explains away all the appearance of neglect on his own side, claiming it originated in misapprehension entirely, and that he had never had an idea of throwing himself off but had feared that he was thrown off, and delicacy had kept him silent . He is indignant at the hint of having spoken disrespectfully of the family and family honors, asserting that he had ever boasted of being an Elliot and that his feelings as to connection were only too strict to suit the unfeudal tone of the present day . The circumstances of his marriage are also found to admit of much extenuation, as a very intimate friend of his, Colonel Wallis, mentions that his wife was a very fine woman with a large fortune who was excessively in love with him, and that without that attraction, not all her money would have tempted Elliot . Sir Walter seems to admit this as a complete apology . Mr. Elliot calls repeatedly, dines with them once, and is evidently delighted by the distinction of being asked, placing his whole happiness in being on intimate terms in Camden Place .

Character and Motives Revealed

Despite his agreeable exterior, Anne Elliot senses something more than immediately appears in Mr. Elliot's wish to be well received by them after so many years, noting that in a worldly view he has nothing to gain by being on terms with Sir Walter and nothing to risk by a state of variance . She suspects his motive might be for Elizabeth's sake, but she also feels that he is a man without heart or conscience, a designing, wary, cold-blooded being who thinks only of himself and would be guilty of any cruelty or treachery that could be perpetrated without risk of his general character . This judgment is confirmed by Mrs. Smith, who reveals that Mr. Elliot was the intimate friend of her late husband, whom he led into expenses much beyond his fortune, and that when Mr. Smith died, leaving his affairs dreadfully involved, Mr. Elliot refused to act as executor, showing a hard-hearted indifference to the evils it might bring on her . A letter from Mr. Elliot to Charles Smith, dated July 1803, further exposes his true feelings: he writes of having "got rid of Sir Walter and Miss," refers to the baronet as "quite fool enough" to marry again, and declares, "I wish I had any name but Elliot. I am sick of it" . This letter provides full proof of his earlier contempt for the family and his title.

Role in the Plot and Relationships

Mr. Elliot's primary motive for returning to Bath is to watch Sir Walter and Mrs. Clay, as he cannot bear the idea of not being Sir William and fears that Mrs. Clay might become Lady Elliot . He omits no opportunity of being with them, throwing himself in their way and calling at all hours . His attentions to Anne are also part of a double game, as he truly wants to marry her, but his earlier motive was to circumvent Mrs. Clay . His presence at the concert creates jealousy in Captain Wentworth, who sees Mr. Elliot close by Anne, conversing and smiling, and feels all the horrible eligibilities and proprieties of the match . This jealousy becomes a retarding weight and torment for Wentworth, influencing his behavior until it is finally vanquished by the sentiments Anne expresses while talking with Captain Harville .

Downfall and Departure

When the news of Anne's engagement to Captain Wentworth bursts on Mr. Elliot, it deranges his best plan of domestic happiness and his best hope of keeping Sir Walter single . Though discomfited and disappointed, he soon quits Bath, and on Mrs. Clay's quitting it soon afterwards and being next heard of as established under his protection in London, it becomes evident how double a game he had been playing and how determined he was to save himself from being cut out by one artful woman . It is now a doubtful point whether his cunning or hers may finally carry the day, whether after preventing her from being the wife of Sir Walter, he may not be wheedled and caressed at last into making her the wife of Sir William .