Jane Austen's Leading Men: A Ranking

#janeaustenjuly

A spoilery look at the men of Jane Austen's novels, with my current feelings about them.

[mtngrl]

My heart goes out to Captain Wentworth, his constancy for Anne Elliott is truly admirable. Anne's character seems more typical of a regency era woman versus Elizabeth Bennett. Capt. Wentworth is a good example of the changing standards in what it means to be a gentleman. His status is changed through his own efforts versus being determined by his birth and the status of his parents. While I love Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is my favorite novel.

[ohifonlyx]

First of all: Is that a Fox Miraculous necklace? 👀👀👀

Mr. Knightley is my favorite dude from a personal gentleman from a scorecard perspective. His only downmark is that he's a bit older than Emma and perhaps might be a bit of a stickler. But he's rich, handsome, kind, forgiving... like just 10/10 good guy. Almost too perfect.

But Anne and Wentworth are my favorite couple. Their feelings just feel so deep and mature. The way they try to understand each other and notice each other across a room. That letter? ABSOLUTE PINNACLE ROMANCE. 😭👌💖

I think Mr. Darcy is a well-written character, but I've seen enough tumultuous relationships with prideful people to fully believe Darcy and Lizzie have an "incandescent" marriage. I think he's noble, but the way he interfered with Jane and Mr. Bingley is just so presumptuous.

Henry Tilney, Edward Ferrars, Colonel Brandon, and Edmund Bertram are all overlooked but lovely men in their own ways. I have a soft spot for Edward and Edmund and their soft, awkward little hearts.

[TooFondofBooksJH]

That letter in Persuasion is so amazing! And Henry Tilney is a great character and maybe underrated!

[LuminousLibro]

My very favorite hero from Austen's books is definitely Mr. Knightley in Emma. *swoon * Love to hear all your thoughts about these handsome fellas!

[delphiniumreads]

I love this! It inspires me to do a ranking of my own. I just finished reading Northanger Abbey for the first time a few days ago! It was delightful. I’m so glad to have finally read all of Jane Austen’s main novels. Pride & Prejudice is still and probably will be forever my favorite Austen, and one of my favorite books of all time.

[TooFondofBooksJH]

I totally admire your ability to rank anything related to Jane Austen, nevermind leading men! I don't think I could do it (at least not without a lot of hemming and hawing and shuffling and reshuffling). What usually ends up happening is my favorite being whatever book I have just finished!

[bonnieshelangi]

Fun video! 😍 I probably would rank slightly differently, but I can’t be sure till I’ve actually read all 6 novels 😄

[sharonlarson]

How about a ranking of the unsavory characters?

[faithbooks]

Excellent rankings! I agree wholeheartedly!

[RaineyDayReads]

Oh this was very interesting! I might have to do this too (of course I’ll give you the credit).