The Character of Mrs. Norris in Mansfield Park For each character there are three main ways to get to know them. First, how the characters themselves think and behave. Secondly, how other characters respond to the character. Finally, the way the author talks about the character is very revealing. Each of these views of Mrs. Norris is provided by the author. Mrs Norris is related to Mansfield Park only through her sister, Lady Bertram. While she may not have made the wealthy marriage that her sister did, there is no doubting her love of money. Sir Thomas Bertram provides an income to Mrs Norris's husband, a member of the clergy. This allows them to live comfortably and in close proximity to their Mansfield Park home. Mrs. Norris is perhaps the most superficial character in the Mansfield Park community. She has no qualms about marrying for safety, not for love. Outward appearance is everything to her, especially how others perceive her. This, however, leads her to make decisions for the wrong reasons: "[She] found herself forced to be tied to the Rev. Mr. Norris." When the Reverend Mr. Norris dies, Austen mentions the perhaps loveless marriage of which Mrs. Norris was a part: "[She] consoled herself by considering that she could do very well with... middle of paper... ..has ever received kindness by her aunt. Jane Austen always influences our view of Mrs. Norris, both directly and indirectly Mrs. Norris's actions show how opinionated and domineering a woman she is, while the relative indifference of those around her may be more indicative of her own characters, shows how overwhelming Finally, Austen herself directly influences what we think of Mrs. Norris with her commentary in the text that simply provides frank insights into Mrs. Norris's character is the way the reader comes to understand Mrs. Norris.