The eldest of the Dashwood sisters. Elinor is the most rational, often having to remind her mother what is the proper way to behave or handle one’s money. It is she who notices all the little inconsistencies in polite society, and the hypocritical nature of many with whom they associate. She falls in love with Edward, but she is cautious, unsure if he feels the same way. She is not so romantic as to assume that money cannot help make you happy, or help you to marry the right man. Sensitive, she feels pain when Edward treats her coldly, but she hides it, and treats him as manners dictate. With Lucy Steele, Elinor is placed in an awful position. To be Lucy’s confidante, when Lucy confesses it is she who is engaged to Edward, is nearly more than Elinor can stand. But she pretends nothing is the matter, and does so for four months. When Marianne is hurt by Willoughby, she hides nothing, and shares her misery with the house, everyday. But Elinor wants to spare her family the pain she is suffering. Perhaps as a reward for this behavior, Elinor marries Edward, her first love, whereas Marianne marries the Colonel.