The 1995 is my favourite P&P movie:) I've seen the 1940 and 2005. I also forgot to say that I'm very fond of Mr. Bennet as well=P

Wentworth's the best! Do you have a favorite P & P movie?

My favourites are Darcy and Wentworth:)

Diane wrote: "Maryella wrote: "My favorite Male characters from Jane Austen novels and movies are:

No1. Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds - the best)
No2. Mr Darcy (Colin Firth then Matthew McFayden)
No3. Mr Knig..."

Oh, yes, I agree with your choices entirely. Mr. Darcy used to be my favorite until the movie with Ciaran Hinds. I never tire of watching it. And his letter has to be the most powerful love letter ever written. "You pierce my soul"

I was going through Austen-Leigh's "A Memoir of Jane Austen" recently; he tried to assemble notes, letters, recollections. One woman recalls that she had asked Austen who her favorite characters were and Austen said "Edmund Bertram and Mr. Knightley".

Maryella wrote: "My favorite Male characters from Jane Austen novels and movies are:

No1. Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds - the best)
No2. Mr Darcy (Colin Firth then Matthew McFayden)
No3. Mr Knightly (Mark st..."

Your choices are perfect and I am weak in the knees just thinking about Ciaran Hinds.

Tanja wrote: "I <3 JLM. I saw his face in the screenshots so I'm gonna whimper a bit.

COL Brandon is the strong and steady nice guy. I think if he had some flair, he may have been as popular as Darcy. I like ..."

I know that I've seen a book called Eliza's Daughter that is related to Brandon.

I <3 JLM. I saw his face in the screenshots so I'm gonna whimper a bit.

COL Brandon is the strong and steady nice guy. I think if he had some flair, he may have been as popular as Darcy. I like his integrity. It would be interesting to see if there's a fanfiction focused on him other than S&S&Sea Monsters.

I haven't been following this discussion, but just read some of the most recent comments... and I totally agree with feeling like you're Anne's friend as you read Persuasion. I love that about Persuasion - Anne is probably my favourite heroine for that reason.
As to my favourite male character, I can never decide between Darcy, Knightley and Wentworth. At the moment, it's probably Knightley thanks to the most recent BBC Emma adaptation (and Jonny Lee Miller...)
But let's face it, Austen really spoilt us with male characters didn't she!

There's something about Anne that makes me feel like I'm her best friend. I like her more than Elizabeth at times. Maybe it is how she holds herself in situations.

Thanks for giving us your perspective. Col Brandon is underrated. His age is always discussed, but it seems more about his experience that he has been around trouble and isn't fooled by things and doesn't play games. I bet he could write a hell of a letter too - but he doesn't get one, does he? !!!

We just talked about Elinor in our Mansfield Park thread --making a comparison. Check it out if you haven't already.

With Anne Elliot, I like to feel that I am her silent friend as she goes through these events. I don't think I feel that with any other Austen character.

From the viewpoint of a guy, my favorite male character is Colonel Brandon. He is steadfast in his love for Marianne. He is a little old for her, but that is the only strike against him. I liked the way he was portrayed in both the Emma Thompson film and the more recent BBS production.

Sense and Sensibility also has one of my two favorite Austen heroines, Elinor Dashwood. The other is Anne Elliot. I am afraid that I tend to gravitate toward the more sensible people in Austen's books.

Sarah wrote: "Tanja wrote: "Captain Wentworth wrote an exceptional love letter. Smooth. It's better than:
hi babes, lol, k. txt me. byez.

"
Shoot, I'll settle for a nice card with a picture of a flower that..."

I'd even take a "love fax"

Tanja wrote: "Captain Wentworth wrote an exceptional love letter. Smooth. It's better than:
hi babes, lol, k. txt me. byez.

"
Shoot, I'll settle for a nice card with a picture of a flower that says it's from the dog:)

Captain Wentworth wrote an exceptional love letter. Smooth. It's better than:
hi babes, lol, k. txt me. byez.

My favorite Male characters from Jane Austen novels and movies are:

No1. Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds - the best)
No2. Mr Darcy (Colin Firth then Matthew McFayden)
No3. Mr Knightly (Mark strong)

They were all tall dark and handsome men, also very honorable, honest to a fault and highly complex characters.

I don't remember Rushworth in Mansfield Revisited. Of course the affair is mentioned and that's the only real mention. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil anything before the discussion.

Yellow stockings crossed-gartered! HAHA!
Tanja's on a roll today:)

He was the "comedic" relief, but he wasn't very funny. He was more on the pathetic side. Everyone looks down their nose at him -- all except dear Saint Fanny.

Mansfield Revisited is November's book. He must be mentioned in this story -- but I'm not very far into it.

Jeannette wrote: "I haven't heard of any. He was sort of a background character and he wasn't really given a fair shake in the book. What do you like about him?

(I hope this gets your question back out there, t..."

I felt sorry for him.
He was, in my point of view, a stronger character then how most readers give him credit for.
He's mocked and put down by the rest of Mansfield Park, but he never once returns the mocking, never once let's his disappointment show.

*bows at Sarah* Couldn't resist!

Hrmm. A Mr. Rushworth spin-off. Haven't seen one. Did come across Mansfield Revisited

But Mr. Rushworth kinda reminds me of Malvolio in Twelfth Night who is tricked into wearing yellow stockings cross-gartered. He's very much the comedic relief in the play as I do feel the same about Mr. Rushworth.

I haven't heard of any. He was sort of a background character and he wasn't really given a fair shake in the book. What do you like about him?

(I hope this gets your question back out there, too!)

That's the one.
Yeah, Mr Rushworth is a weird guy. So little is truly known about what became of him. He could have an interesting story made about him and what he did after the scandal with Henry Crawford and Maria.

Jeannette wrote: "Which question do you still need an answer for? I can't follow the thread back, either.... :)"

If Mr. Rushworth has his own spin off yet?

Which question do you still need an answer for? I can't follow the thread back, either.... :)

Sarah wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I have always been a softie for Captain Wentworth.

And now a question, with all the spin offs and remakes book wise, does anyone know if Mr. Rushworth is getting a story of ..."

No one answered me. I guess I got lost in the shuffle of the thread.

Kimberly wrote: "I have always been a softie for Captain Wentworth.

And now a question, with all the spin offs and remakes book wise, does anyone know if Mr. Rushworth is getting a story of his own? I am in M..."

Did you ever get any responses to this inquiry?
Otherwise, we should make our own - a group effort.
after all, most of us have been a part of the MP discussion and reading Mansfield Revisited. Now would be a great time to start this kind of project.

Tanja wrote: "Christopher wrote: Mind you, he's despicable and completely amoral; but he's clever, cunning, charming, socially adept, and intellectual.

Absolutely. Henry Crawford could easily apply to modern..."

HAHA - you just Gossip Girl'ed the Jane Austen group!!
You win a cookie:)
I think that last time I laughed that hard was when one of our members called Captain Wentworth the most woodchippy man ever.

No murder. No rape.
Captain Tilney was not a nice man. Neither was his father. They were innocent of violent crime, they were most sinister and morally bankrupt as men go.

So who is the worst male villain in Jane Austen's stories and what was their worst crime?

So far I have seen only greed and seduction. I can't remember seeing any of them murderers or rapists.

Christopher wrote: Mind you, he's despicable and completely amoral; but he's clever, cunning, charming, socially adept, and intellectual.

Absolutely. Henry Crawford could easily apply to modern day novels or programming. For example, wouldn't you believe Crawford fits Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass?

Frederick Wentworth and George Knightley would be the most complete male characters for me.

In response to Kimberly's observations about Mansfield Park, it'd be my opinion that Henry Crawford is the most "complete" male character. Mind you, he's despicable and completely amoral; but he's clever, cunning, charming, socially adept, and intellectual. Just my two-cents. Cheers! Chris

I have always been a softie for Captain Wentworth.

And now a question, with all the spin offs and remakes book wise, does anyone know if Mr. Rushworth is getting a story of his own? I am in MP mode right now and find myself liking this character more and more.

Darcy and Knightly are both my favorites this far... Can't wait to read the rest of her books so I can read about the other characters. :)

Clara R,

I liked what you said about these characters. It is hard to choose a favorite between these three. Jane sure wrote strong characters for these guys. I want to do a planned read of Emma around the holiday season and get more into the Emma characters.

Also, from the few comments from everyone here on Wentworth, it made think. At the end of Persuasion, Anne and Wentworth have reconciled their separation, so it makes me believe they would communicate smoothly in their future. They wouldn't have the barriers of family and old prejudices that had been the case in their previous life. He and Anne seemed evenly matched in approach and feeling. Although, he does seem to have deep river of emotions.

Darcy is a mix of this. So many things going on internally, but he is much more vocal. So is Elizabeth -- another good match.

These were some of Austen's men characters who were internal. They all had barriers and weren't the life of the party or the center of the social stage. Wentworth had a strong band of naval friends and he was made a hero by the Uppercross ladies. But he wasn't a social-climbing man. He understood Anne who loved the opera more than society parties.

Darcy's layers could be studied at length. Wealthy young man, both parents gone and in total charge of an immense estate and a young sister, also avoiding the social-climbers and the "eligible" young ladies. I still don't think he has been portrayed in true essence in films [my love of Firth and MacFadyen aside -- I blame the scripts!:] He is a man of depth and finds the same in Elizabeth. No wonder he is the star of such a timeless story. And it is great how he royally messes up with Elizabeth -- it shows his imperfection, his effort, his youth and his passion. What a great character.

Clara Rosalie wrote: "OH, correct me. Okay, Knightley. I'd know what he was going on about."

I know, right? Who can make peace with a conflict that's never addressed?!?! Knightley is orderly and everything practical. He's really kind. He makes a great role model.
But there is something to be said about a man that is so tightly wound like Wentworth - his passion is slow burning. It's almost a blessing to wait for him to finally speak his mind.
So I'm totally at a loss - that's why my choice would probably remain Darcy. At least he tries to communicate, no matter how he messes it up:)

OH, correct me. Okay, Knightley. I'd know what he was going on about.

Clara Rosalie wrote: "I just finished Persuasion about two minutes ago and now I can't choose between Mr. Knightly and Captain Wentworth! "

here's a way you choose between them: do you prefer a man that will correct you or a man that might give you the silent treatment?

I just finished Persuasion about two minutes ago and now I can't choose between Mr. Knightly and Captain Wentworth!

Darcy and Captain Wentworth for me. Definitely. Captain Wentworth's constancy, over all that time, wins me over every time. Darcy....well, don't we all just love Darcy?! Can't help myself...:)

Mr. Darcy happens to be a long time favorite but if I had to choose someone else, I'd have to pick Captain Wentworth. He waited as did she. That's amazing for a love to continue to hold despite being separated.

My favorite is Mr. Darcy.

Sarah wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I saw Ciaran Hinds in those roles. Love the variety. Just a side comment -- haven't there been a lot of Jane Eyre adaptations! I was surprised that I liked the one with Toby Stephe..."

Wasnt Toby Stephens great? Thanks for reminding me about Great Gatsby too. I want to watch that again.

Sarah wrote: "Fantasy man -- are we talking about me saying I like those guys who are good in different types of roles? Seriously, the more different kinds a parts I see an actor playing, the more great I think..."

I have been thinking about this for days and I'm still stuck. When you say Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant, the bar is set too high but any of these guys. When you say character actor - I think Jeremy Brett. Derek Jacobi, and Marlon Brando. I never found any of these guys attractive. But I have always had a soft spot for Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Clint Eastwood.
I used to tease my old roommates and tell them that John Cusack was my first husband. I don't see him as a character actor.
Clive Owen and Ioan, what's his last name again, something that starts with G, have mad talent!!

Bethany wrote: "I love Edmund Bertram. And it looks like I am the only one!
And I do, of course, love Mr. Darcy also."

You're not. I like him too. There's a place where I pity him. He so blind about Mary that I just want to throw a pie in his face to wake him up to reality. But his integrity comes back and then he falls in love with Fanny.
The Edmund in the new mansfield Park - so adorable! I love brown eyes:)

Claudia wrote: "I just found out yesterday that Ciaran Hinds - who plays Captain Wentworth in Persuasion - also played a role in a Jane Eyre adaptation and also came out in The Phantom of the Opera, as one of the ..."

Yeah, and he's the villian in Lara Croft Tomb Raider 2. There are no certainities in life:)

Sarah wrote: "I saw Ciaran Hinds in those roles. Love the variety. Just a side comment -- haven't there been a lot of Jane Eyre adaptations! I was surprised that I liked the one with Toby Stephens, also a rea..."

So Toby Stephens is Maggie Smith's son! He was in 12th Night and the Great Gatsby. He's done lots of other things too. But he was the best in Jane Eyre!

Love him!

Sarah, yes it is. I rented it from Netflix.

I saw Ciaran Hinds in those roles. Love the variety. Just a side comment -- haven't there been a lot of Jane Eyre adaptations! I was surprised that I liked the one with Toby Stephens, also a really talented actor.

Yes, I second the comment about Johnny Depp. I can't think of anyone who has made such choices with their acting career. He seems to be always raising the bar, where other actors just play the same type of thing until you can't tell the roles apart.

I can't stop watching James McAvoy either. Just one example of his talent: I think the Narnia movie owes a lot of success to him. The one scene with him is really what makes the heart of that movie begin pounding.

I must catch up with Lost in Austen. I cant get it on tv, but I think it is on DVD in the U.S. now, right?

I seem to be alone in this, but my favorite male character is Mr. Bennet.

I see that the male lovers dominate the favorite males category, but as an older male myself, I view them all with a bemused tolerance as they cherchez la femme.

I fell in love (literarily speaking, of course) with Mr. Bennet almost from his first words, but I was smitten forever with his "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends."

I love the way he combines his gentle sarcasm (his gift to Mrs. Bennet is that he makes it too subtle for her to comprehend, unlike Emma's very cruel sarcasm to Mrs. Bates) with his genuine affection for his wife and daughters. Imagine living in an unlimited sea of estrogen -- six nubile daughters and a wife, not to mention the servants -- and not a single son to leaven the dinner table conversations or the evening before the fire. No wonder he retreated often to his study for sanctuary!

I have to agree about McAvoy's performance of Tom Lefroy--he's definitely my favorite of the movie version males. He's quick and funny and flirty and a little wicked. What more could a girl ask for? I really liked Tilney for many of the same reasons. He's the funniest of the Austen heroes, I find. But, as someone said already, his interest in Katherine, liking her because she was so naive and hopelessly infatuated by him, take away from his charm a bit. Persuasion is my second-favorite Austen novel, after P&P, with Captain Wentworth's dedication to Anne, along with her regret for having rejected him. I think because it's a book about regrets, the older I get the more Persuasion inches into first place.

Have you guys seen Lost in Austen? I was sure I would hate it, but I actually thought it was really sweet, though the bungling of the modern woman was a bit overdone from time to time. That she wasn't a maiden...broke my heart.