What an excellent post! I just finished my initial re-read of M.P. about a month before the group read and I share similar sentiments regarding Fanny: that her modest, shy, and retiring character speaks volumes for her as a heroine.

The word "meek" in the post also stands out in that "meek" is often mis-interpreted as someone who is weak or lacks courage. Beneath her exterior is a woman is as morally strong as an iron bar.

I've often heard the expression "It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog." Everyone takes their shot at Fanny and everyone ends up falling away under her righteous resolve. Meek? Yes. Weak? No!