A spot of hyperbole getting the better of you? Now I understand! ;-D

I don't attempt to defend Mary's obvious flaws, especially her manipulativeness, and her malicious enjoyment of Maria's discomfiture when she learns that Henry wants to marry Fanny.

But even though I often disagree with Mary or dislike what she does, she just doesn't annoy me as she obviously does many people. Mary and I are not alike, but in my imagination I can quite easily 'walk a mile in her shoes', and see where she's coming from and why she is like she is. I find I often feel sorry for her, for her bleak and impoverished view of the world and it's possibilities for happiness. Beneath Mary's superficial attractions I find a damaged person, and I think she is one of JA's finest and most realistic creations.