Mr. Knightley is the owner of the Donwell Abbey estate nearby, a 37-38-year-old, extremely virtuous, outspoken, and honorable gentleman. Older than Emma in both age and temperament, Knightley is the oldest and most loyal friend of the Woodhouse family. There is another strong bond between them as he is the older brother of the husband of Emma's sister Isabella. Unlike the other characters in the novel, he never panders to Emma; he is the only person who openly points out her flaws to her face and tries to guide her onto the right path. Throughout the novel, he criticizes Emma's erroneous attitudes toward Harriet and Jane Fairfax in harsh language. Although he approaches Emma almost like an elder in the family at first, he is actually bound to her with a deep, rooted love. He fully discovers the extent of his own feelings with the jealousy that flares up when Frank Churchill comes to the village and flirts with Emma. He is someone who loves honesty and functionality rather than splendor; in the end, he is selfless enough to give up his own house and agree to move to Hartfield for Emma, who cannot leave her father.
He is the chief steward of the Donwell Abbey manor and its surroundings. Since his brother John works as a lawyer in London and has left the family, he is the central representative of the family. For years, he has been a friend so close that he would recklessly come and go to the Woodhouse house (Hartfield) every day, and he has witnessed every stage of Emma's life from childhood to womanhood.
A tall, broad-shouldered, wiry man who says 'I am a gentleman' wherever he goes with his stance and air, a handsome man with a healthy and strong appearance.
Jane Fairfax
The young neighbor whose talents and poise he deeply admires but whose character he finds too mysterious and reserved.
Robert Martin
The hard-working tenant whom he respects, admires for his common sense, and constantly protects.
Emma Woodhouse
The great love whom he deeply cherishes, follows in every step, but whose mistakes he warns against.
Frank Churchill
A contrasting figure whom he finds hypocritical and devious, and whom he definitely dislikes once his jealousy is added to the mix.