Former governess Miss Taylor, who left the Woodhouse home at the beginning of the novel to marry Mr. Weston, is like a mother to Emma, serving as her tutor and one of her closest friends. She is a sweet-talking, affectionate, and intelligent woman. For years she raised Emma, instilling in her not only basic subjects but also honesty and refinement in a spiritual sense. She generally ignores Emma's flaws (though she cannot speak as openly as Mr. Knightley) or defends her with gentle words. She is an understanding wife who is very compatible with the social, optimistic nature of her husband, Mr. Weston. However, she has a maternal instinct that grows tired at times of Frank Churchill's irresponsible behavior and dreams of Emma marrying Frank to become her own daughter-in-law. Although she makes some incorrect inferences regarding Jane and Frank in the middle of the novel (particularly concerning Knightley's alleged interest in Jane), she takes on the role of calming the situation with her pure intentions. Ultimately, she finds true happiness by holding her own daughter in her arms.
Although she faced poverty before joining the Woodhouse family, for 16 years she reached a position akin to a respected mother of the house, eventually securing her life in prosperity by marrying the wealthy homeowner, Mr. Weston.
Drawn as the prototype of a sensible, level-headed, mature woman, she is a middle-aged woman with a clean face and elegant attire.
Mr. Weston
The energetic husband whom she married with infinite affection.
Mr. Knightley
An old friend whom she respects, but with whom she clashes from time to time (especially regarding Emma or Jane).
Emma Woodhouse
The spoiled girl in whom she saw a good heart, and to whom she was a governess and the closest maternal figure.
Frank Churchill
Her stepson whom she wanted to love like her own child, but at whose thoughtlessness she was occasionally surprised.