Pamela

Content warning: This Character Analysis section includes references to attempted rape and sexual harassment.

Pamela Andrews is the protagonist of the novel; the plot follows her struggles to maintain her chastity and integrity. Pamela is 15 years old at the start of the novel. Though she comes from a working-class family that has struggled financially, Pamela occupies a liminal social position: Because of the time she has spent with the wealthy Lady B (Mr. B’s late mother), Pamela has learned the refined skills associated with upper-class life. Moreover, she is highly skilled at expressing herself verbally. Throughout the novel, characters praise her eloquence in speaking and writing with comments such as “I enjoin you, Pamela, to continue your narrative” (335). In addition, Pamela is strikingly beautiful and elegant. These attributes enable Mr. B to marry her, despite her lower social status.

Pamela is very pious and concerned with morality: Her father explains that Pamela “was bred to be more ashamed of dishonesty than poverty” (59). Given the social and historical context, Pamela’s commitment to integrity is mostly represented by her strong desire to avoid premarital sex, although she also avoids lying, treats other people with respect, and helps those less fortunate than herself.