Leonora is a character in Henry Fielding’s novel “Joseph Andrews” who is featured in a story-

within-the-story. She is the daughter of a gentleman of fortune, described as tall, well-shaped,

and with a lively countenance1. Leonora becomes infatuated with Bellarmine, a seemingly noble
suitor, and abandons her true lover, Horatio, for the prospect of a more prestigious match.
However, Bellarmine turns out to be less wealthy than he appears and rejects Leonora after her
father makes a frugal marriage proposal1.
This subplot serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of vanity and superficiality. Leonora’s
story is a satire on the social climbing and materialism of the time, illustrating how such pursuits
can lead to personal downfall. Her character contrasts with the novel’s themes of genuine virtue
and integrity, which are embodied by other characters like Joseph Andrews and Parson Adams2.