Belinda Portman

Belinda is the main character of the novel, and is presented to the reader as an example of a young woman who learns what is most important in life and behaves admirably throughout. When she begins her stay with Lady Delacour, she is at first concerned about associating with a lady who behaves so shamefully. She is shocked at Lady Delacour and Lord Delacour's volatile relationship and feels uncomfortable when they argue. However, she quickly realizes that Lady Delacour is a good, kind woman who has been led astray. Lady Delacour's history shocks Belinda but also convinces her that the lady could be happy if she would only turn to the right sort of activities and pursuits and the right sort of friends. Belinda determines to learn from this bad example and not repeat the same mistakes herself. Belinda is a sensible and respectable girl right from...