Miss Bates

Miss Bates is a character from Jane Austen's novel *Emma*, representing a kind but somewhat verbose and socially dependent woman. She is a middle-aged spinster who, due to limited means, relies heavily on her friends and social interactions for her identity and livelihood. Despite her talkative nature and tendency to over-share, she is well-meaning and lacks malice. Miss Bates embodies the societal role of a woman with limited opportunities and highlights themes of social class, manners, and the importance of genuine character in Austen's work.