Having only read Austen previously for pleasure, I am finding this GR quite a novel experience, and I am impressed with everyone's contributions. I have noticed before the use JA makes of silence: but now I am beginning to see it everywhere. Am I seeing too much? Help!

In Persuasion it seems that the silence of the two main characters on their true feelings drives the story, but I am getting ahead of myself!

Silence can be used to create, and sustain, a difference between what something seems to be, and what it really is. This affects the reader as well as the characters. We all have to second guess or judge other characters feelings or motives in the vacumn silence creates.

Some characters are shy, or reserved, and may not contibute as much as we would like, but I would like to keep a distinction. I would like to add to the list of characters who contribute to the dynamics of the plot by keeping silent through choice or by their situation. Mostly but not always this silence will eventually break.

So far I have: