Age
Though Eliza dies before the novel begins, Brandon says of her that “our ages were nearly the same,” meaning she would have been around 35 if still living. Based on the timing of various events, she would have died around the age of 21.
Family and Situation
As a child, Eliza was one of Colonel Brandon’s “nearest relations, an orphan from her infancy.” She was under the guardianship of her uncle, Mr. Brandon Senior and cousin to Mr. Brandon, Colonel Brandon and at least one girl. Eliza’s bond with Colonel Brandon was particularly deep; he says “I cannot remember the time when I did not love Eliza.”
At 17, Eliza is entangled in the machinations of her uncle who seeks to wed her to her elder cousin, thereby combining the family fortunes. After the failed elopement with Colonel Brandon, Eliza was forced into an unhappy marriage for two years or so, ultimately ending in adultery (hers; possibly also his) and divorce. From this point on, she seems to be passed between a series of men and desperate for money, ultimately dying of consumption in debtors’ prison when Colonel Brandon finds her. Over this time, she gives birth to a girl called Eliza Williams, who presumably bears either her mother’s maiden name or, less likely, the name of her biological father.
Character
Brandon tells Elinor that Eliza “greatly resembled” Marianne in temper, suggesting that she was highly emotional and passionate. He later elaborates, saying “there is a very strong resemblance between them, as well in mind as person. The same warmth of heart, the same eagerness of fancy and spirits.”
We know that later in life, Eliza’s high-strung emotions were tortured by her circumstances. Prior to her marriage, Brandon characterizes her as “lively” and “inexperienced” and insists that the poor treatment at the hands of her husband causes her to resign “herself at first to all the misery of her situation.” Within two years, however, she seeks companionship outside of the marriage.
