Washington Square

Washington Square

Year: 1997

Runtime: 115 mins

Language: English

Director: Agnieszka Holland

RomanceDramaSong and dancePassion and romanceEnduring stories of family and marital drama

In 1870s New York, spinster heiress Catherine Sloper, under the watchful eye of her controlling father, is pursued by the much younger, impoverished Morris Townsend. As he courts her, Catherine must decide whether to cling to her father's wealth and a solitary life or risk marriage to a man whose motives may be driven by her inheritance.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Washington Square yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Washington Square (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Washington Square (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1850s

The events take place in the mid-19th century, a period characterized by strict social hierarchies and formal courtships. Wealth, inheritance, and propriety drive much of the drama. Personal happiness often comes second to family reputation and financial considerations.

Location

Washington Square, New York City

The story unfolds in a grand house on Washington Square in New York City. It centers on the social milieu of a well-to-do 1850s family and their extended circle. The square and its environs serve as a backdrop for manners, status, and the expectations placed on a young woman of Catherine's class.

🏛️ 19th Century 🗽 New York City

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:35

Main Characters – Washington Square (1997)

Meet the key characters of Washington Square (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Catherine Sloper (Jennifer Jason Leigh)

A plain, shy, and ultimately kind young woman who grows from seeking her father’s approval into a more self-assured individual. Her sweetness contrasts with a lack of social polish, making her vulnerable to the attentions of Morris Townsend. Over time, she learns to protect her own heart while navigating class and parental expectations.

💖 Protagonist 🧭 Naive 🕊️ Kind

Dr. Austin Sloper (Albert Finney)

A physician and the master of the Washington Square house, haunted by memories of his wife and a merciless view of his daughter’s worth. He treats Catherine with ironic condescension and fears losing control over her future. His fixation on wealth and lineage drives much of the family conflict and disinheritance plot.

🧭 Controlling 🗣️ Intellectually aloof 🏛️ Proud

Morris Townsend (Ben Chaplin)

A handsome, attentive suitor whose charm masks mercenary motives. He courts Catherine to gain wealth and social standing, and his true intentions are revealed when he admits his motives. His presence catalyzes the tragedy of a love thwarted by money and pride.

💔 Charismatic 🕴️ Mercenary 🗝️ Calculating

Aunt Lavinia Penniman (Maggie Smith)

Catherine’s widowed aunt, a melodramatic guardian who acts as a social chaperone and plot facilitator. She relishes the drama of Townsend’s attentions and uses it to entertain herself while shaping Catherine’s social world. Her influence amplifies the pressures of appearances and propriety.

🎭 Dramatic 🧭 Protective

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:35

Major Themes – Washington Square (1997)

Explore the central themes of Washington Square (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love vs Money

Catherine's genuine affection for Morris Townsend collides with her father's mercenary concerns about wealth and status. The marriage stakes are framed not just as a personal union but as a potential disruption to or protection of a family fortune. The conflict reveals how love can be subordinated to financial calculus.

🎭 Societal Pressure

Aunt Lavinia embodies melodrama and social performance, encouraging or manipulating Townsend's advances to suit appearances. The family and their social circle scrutinize Catherine, pressuring her to conform to expected roles. The era's conventions shape choices and limit personal freedom.

🕊️ Independence & Resilience

Despite disapproval and disinheritance threats, Catherine retreats from deference and guards her own agency. She navigates disappointment with quiet dignity, eventually carving out a space for herself—running a daycare and maintaining her dignity even when love wanes. The arc foregrounds inner strength over external validation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Washington Square

Don't stop at just watching — explore Washington Square in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Washington Square is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Washington Square Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Washington Square, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Washington Square Summary

Washington Square Timeline

Track the full timeline of Washington Square with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Washington Square Timeline

Washington Square Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Washington Square that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Washington Square Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Washington Square

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Washington Square: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Washington Square

Explore More About Movie Washington Square

Washington Square (1997) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Washington Square (1997) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Washington Square (1997) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow