I've read up to ch.12, but have not yet started on the play.

So far I can find nothing at all to like about Henry Crawford.

As soon as we meet him we learn that he is the most horrible flirt imaginable. When he starts flirting with Maria and Julia we are told he doesn't want them to die of love but allows himself great latitude on such points, so we know precisely what he is up to. His behaviour with Maria at Sotherton really creeps me out, especially the scene in the chapel. What he is doing is basically dishonest and potentially very damaging for Maria.

I also don't like the way he flaunts his supposed expertise regarding 'improvements', based on nothing more than a few changes to Everingham.