Austen’s father, the Reverend George Austen, ‘the handsome Proctor.’ Born in 1731, this portrait was made later in life, in 1801, still one can see the sharp, dark eyes he was known for. He was also known as an intelligent and humorous man. (1731–1805)

Austen’s mother, the former Cassandra Leigh is shown here in silhouette. Mrs. Austen was said to be proud of her nose, which pointed to her aristocratic ancestry. Hopefully she was nothing like Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. (1739–1827)

Jane’s eldest brother James Austen—as half of the Oxford Brothers Duo, James is credited in part with stimulating Jane’s intellect and artistry. At St John’s College, Oxford, he and brother Henry started a satirical weekly called The Loiterer. Later, James took up novel writing and poetry and worked as a country clergyman just like Dad. (1765–1819)

All that is known (by me) about Jane’s second brother is that he was handicapped since birth, and like Jane, never had a portrait made.

Edward Austen has a most unusual story. The third Austen son, he was adopted by his rich uncle, Thomas Knight of Kent, who was childless. Edward spent much of his time at the Austen residence, but spent enough time with Uncle Thomas’s family to be well cultured and to travel widely. (1767–1852)

Henry Austen was Jane’s funny brother. (He looks here like he is holding back a smirk, doesn’t he?) After his time at Oxford, Henry joined the militia, flirted enough to embarrass the family, risked the family finances, married his worldly cousin Eliza de Feuillide, crashed his bank, and then, to the amusement of sister Jane, became a respected clergyman. (1771–1850)

Austen’s devoted sister, Cassandra Elizabeth Austen shown here in silhouette. Never married, she and Jane spent their entire lives together (except for visits to friends and family). She was Jane’s confident and burned many of Jane’s letters after Jane’s death because of their personal nature. (1773–1845)

Captain Francis William Austen was the first of Jane’s two naval brothers, and the nearest Jane in age. He is thought to have inspired the positive representation of sailors and navy captains in Persuasion and Mansfield Park. Francis, who never retired, worked his way up the ranks and became an admiral, then became admiral of the entire fleet. (1774–1865)

Captain Charles John Austen like his brother Francis worked his way up to admiral in the navy. (1779–1852)