In every one of Miss Austen's works, I enjoy assessing the relative esteem of the characters as to whether they are on the rise, maintaining, or sinking. We're half-way and just for fun:

Mr. Knightley: Rising - Up in the crow's nest with his spyglass at the ready
Miss Bates: Rising - A little dingy but it keeps her afloat
Jane Fairfax: Rising - Steathily running silent, deep and maintaining "radio silence."
Emma Woodhouse: Sinking/Rising - Hanging on to a life preserver as she bobs up and down in a stormy sea
Mrs. Elton: Sinking - Started off like a lead sinker and is still descending to the muddy depths
Mr. Elton: Sunk - 20,000 leagues under the sea!
Frank Churchill: Sinking - Has a slow leak and is listing perceptively
Mr. Woodhouse: Sunk - Poor man has been below sea level from the beginning
Mr. Weston and Mrs. Weston: Sinking slightly - These 2 schemers are submarining just below the surface and their periscope is "up."
The Coles: Rising - The "Coast guard" is ready to respond to all rescue calls
The Martins: Rising - Very ship shape and riding the crest.
Miss Smith: Sinking - Has fallen out of her boat and can't swim without help