The Belle of Amherst | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson - This character is described as sensitive and quaint but with inner strength. Her manner is described as childlike, whimsical, and deeply poignant.

Lavinia Dickinson - This character is described as clumsy but, also practical. She loves cats above all other creatures and will begrudge her pets nothing.

Edward Dickinson - This is the patriarch of the family.

Austin Dickinson - Emily says that this character knows her in a way that no one else in her family does.

Susan Gilbert Dickinson - This character understands Emily's need to write....
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