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Although many people think that showing emotion is a bad trait for a person, the character of Marianne in Sense and Sensibility sets it in a good light.

When her sister Elinor is in love with Edward Ferrars, she is the first to note something bad about the well-thought-of Edward. She complains that he doesn't express any strong feelings and that he can read even the juiciest poetry unemotionally. Also she critisizes his lukwarm response to Elinor's drawings. The reader does not know what Edward is really thinking, but we have the assumption thus far that he is just too shy to express himself directly. We'll see if Marianne is right, but for now we'll have to respect her value of human emotion.

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There is no 'good' and 'evil' in this book...

In most fantasy books, there is a strict line between the good characters and bad characters, often vulgarized by obvious character traits such as black clothing, etc. In Sense and Sensibility, good and evil dont exist... there are just many characters who all have a different sense of self and identity, and who sometimes just don't get along because of their differences.

For instance... Fanny is automatically perceived as an antagonist. She is elitist, manipulates her husband out of giving his stepdaughters money, and is very worried about the rank of Edward's prospect wife. However, she is not evil. She has her own agenda which the reader does not agree with, as we sympathise easily with Elinor and Marianna very early in the book. In fact, Jane Austen even adds humorous touches to the character of Fanny, revealed in wittily written passages that lightly make fun of the lady. She just cannot be evil if you laugh at her...

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It's amazing what characterization can do.

Three sisters... each one with their own distinct personality.

Elinor, the oldest sister is introverted and rational. Being the oldest sister in a family without a father, she is naturally responsible and thoughtful about others around her. As soon as Edward Ferrars is introduced in the book, the reader begins to see that they are a perfect couple: both just as sweet as the other.

Marianne, the second sister is passionate and inspired. She is sometimes hot-tempered, but is loyal to her beleifs and will never stray from her ideals. Her character provides a contrast to Elinor, and in fact conflicts arise when Marianne feels like Elinor is 'unemotional' just because she is not as vocal about her feelings like Marianne.

The youngest sister (I forget her name...) acts as a gauge of honesty thoughout the story. Because she is young and innocent, Jane Austen uses her to show the readers how to feel about each character. Because Edward gained the little girl's trust in the beginning of the book, the reader realises that ultimately he is a good character.

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Sense and Sensibility is a story with an eternal message.
However, it is set in old-time England.
Now its interesting how even though this time period has vanished from our eyes, there still remain momentos to life in this era, like Jane Austen's books. Even though we can't identify with many of the aspects of the characters' lifestyles, there are still some things and ideas which surpass the dragging clock of history. The overarching theme of love conquering societal expectations is as true today as it was during Jane Austen's time.

Now we'll just have to see HOW.