Who is the Worst Jane Austen Villain?
- Lizzy B.
- Apr 16
- 1 min read
Updated: May 5

We all have a favorite Jane Austen character, be it Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, or Catherine Moorland, but who is the worst villain?
Is it George Wickham, from Pride and Prejudice, who tricks everyone and runs away with Lydia?
Is it Lady Catherine de Bourgh, from Pride and Prejudice, who attempts to control everyone around her?
Is it John Willoughby, from Sense and Sensibility, who breaks Marianne's heart?
Is it Lucy Steele, from Sense and Sensibility, who tries to make Elanor Dashwood miserable?
Is it Frank Churchill, from Emma, who flirts and barely escapes without breaking any hearts?
Is it Agusta Elton, from Emma, who thinks herself equal in station to Emma and patronizes everyone?
Is it Henry Crawford, from Mansfield Park, who is determined to break Fanny's heart?
Is it Mary Crawford, from Mansfield Park, who is cynical and disillusioned with the whole world?
Is it Mr. Elliot, from Persuasion, who only associates with people as it benefits him, then casts them aside?
Is it Mrs. Clay, from Persuasion, who is determined to make Sir Walter Elliot marry her?
Is it General Tilney, from Northanger Abbey, who is kick Catherine out when he finds out she's poor?
Is it Isabella Thorpe, from Northanger Abbey, who is a hypocrite and a flirt?
What do you think? Comment below!



Well...that's a hard question! I'm picking Willoughby because of his backstory and not learning from his mistakes. And then he's rude and cruel to Marianne.
My vote is for Wickham. Willoughby is every bit as morally corrupt, though. He shows a little glimpse of potential by falling for Marianne, but throws it away. Wickham is just out for himself from day one and doesn't care who pays for it.
I think it's either John Willoughby or Mr. Elliot.