Mr. Woodhouse is Emma’s father. His valetudinarianism makes him more comical as a character, but it is evident that Emma still holds him in high esteem. Notably, in the novel she pursues Mr. Frank Churchill until her father informs her that he is, “not quite the thing.” (172) He is interesting to the plot, because although his character is described as foolhardy, Emma clearly values his input and thinks highly of him as a person. It is clear that in some ways Emma humors Mr. Woodhouse, presumably to make him happy, especially since she is the only woman left in his life after the former Miss Taylor resigns in order to marry.