In her most artistically advanced novel, Jane Austen depicts with fine irony the character development of her titular heroine. The egocentric, self-righteous Emma, who always believes she knows what is best for others and is constantly mistaken, causes quite a bit of trouble until she ultimately reaches self-awareness and inner maturity. Emma is a clever and self-assured young woman, but she is also a bit spoiled. After her former governess and companion Anne leaves her, she tries to play matchmaker in Highbury, attempting to marry off her male and female acquaintances according to her whims. Naturally, this goes awry. When she discovers that Harriet, whom she initially intended for the young vicar and later for the attractive Frank Churchill, actually has her sights set on the man she secretly admires, Mr. Knightley.