Emma Woodhouse has “the very best blessings of existence” with “very little to vex or distress [her],” according to Austen. Against marriage for herself, but convinced she is the ultimate matchmaker, Emma believes her efforts are well-meant—albeit disaster-prone.
After matchmaking Mr. Weston with her governess, Emma begins to look for a match for her friend Harriet––with her eyes set on the vicar Mr. Elton. Discouraging Harriet from accepting a proposal from Robert Martin, a local farmer, Emma’s plans start to fail when Mr. Elton expresses interest in her, not Harriet. Emma rejects his advances, much to his surprise.
Mr. Knightley, a family friend with whom Emma often quarrels, calls her out about the situation and Mr. Elton soon leaves town and marries another.
While comforting Harriet, Mr. Weston’s son, Frank Churchill catches Emma’s eye, although she soon decides he is a potential match for Harriet. Enter the talented and lovely Jane Fairfax, of whom Emma is jealous and who Mr. Knightley defends against false accusations.
Emma finds herself in additional tricky situations with others, and she begins to see the consequences of her arrogant but well-intended actions. Feelings are hurt and her perfect little world starts to crack.
When Jane and Frank’s secret engagement becomes known, it is revealed that Harriet has feelings for Mr. Knightley, not Frank, as Emma assumed. This announcement brings Emma to the realization that she, too, has feelings for Mr. Knightley.
With whom will Harriet find love? Will Emma finally gain an awareness of her actions? And how will she reconcile her newly-awakened love for her friend Mr. Knightley?
