Which Pair of Sibling Do You Like the Least?
Isabella and John Thorpe, Northanger AbbeyJohn Thorpe is arrogant and boastful, and it is significant that Jane has him speak in vulgar cant. Wrongly assessing Catherine Morland's fortune, he attempts to woo her and lies to her in an attempt to keep her from her walking assignation with Eleanor and Henry Tilney. John's sister, Isabella, is as manipulative and self-serving as her brother. With no wealth or connections to speak of, she latches onto Catherine Morland, forming a hasty and too intimate a friendship. She goes after James Morland, mistakenly thinking he has a fortune. When she learns how little money he will have, she quickly abandons him for Captain Frederick Tilney, who casts her aside after a short flirtation.
Mary and Henry Crawford, Mansfield ParkThe Crawfords siblings are rich, sophisticated and town bred. Mary, whose marriage portion is £20,000, amazingly sets her cap on Edmund Bertram, though she abhors his plans to become a clergyman. A bored Henry goes after Maria for sport and fun, even though she is an engaged woman. When Maria marries Mr. Rushworth during Henry's absence, he turns his attention to Fanny Price. Fanny sees through his oily and facile facade and resists his advances. Had Mary not tried to justify Maria's affair with her brother, Fanny might well have succumbed to Henry's persistent advances. Thankfully, she did not.
