The Importance of a Reliable Character in Jane Austen.

The Importance of a Reliable Character As a novelist, Jane Austen must guide the implied reader's views in order for the complete impact of her plots to be perceived. Austen accomplishes this through many rhetorical techniques; however, she is most successful when using a reliable character's viewpoint. Several times Austen relies on a proven, sensible character to control the implied reader's opinions and reactions. With this control, Austen is able to successfully relay the novel's …

…and for her themes to be understood, it is important that she can control the implied reader's responses. Whether through the viewpoint of the pivotal character or her suitor, Austen is able to control the views and opinions of the implied reader; thus controlling his/her reaction. With characters such as Elinor, Mr. Knightley, Henry Tilney, and Anne Elliot, this rhetorical technique is accomplished, and Austen's persuasion tools as well as her novels are successful.