She's a bit like Marianne Dashwood. Her sensibility is too extreme and jeopardises her own happiness. She lacks self control and restraint, she sometimes puts emotions above her duty. But back to NA.

I don't think Catherine is necessarily looking for adventure, and I agree that she doesn't see herself as a gothic heroine. But the whole point, is that she IS a heroine. Austen's opening line in a roundabout way says that although it seems unlikely, Catherine is in fact designed to be a heroine. And, just as a young lady must seek adventure abroad if it will not find her at home, Catherine will be a heroine in spite of herself, inspite of all unfavourable appearances to the contrary!!