which is all about characters other than Anne.

Sir Walter
(Couldn't write about Sir Walter or join in the comments about him earlier because of computer problems).

Does anyone think he would fit our modern world very well?
Most don't mind this obsession with looks anymore.
I think he would have made an excellent male mannequin. There would always be clothes to change into, and to look into mirrors for hours while someone was dressing you or doing your hair.;-)
What about a famous 'pop' person? :-O

Never mind that. I think he is the kind of person who would be alright with someone like Lady Eliot to handle him, but is out of control without her. He is more 'child material' than 'father material'.

Thinking about ones ancestors is not unheard of.
It is common in some cultures, where people pray to them, worship them, have ceremonies once a year for all their dead etc. They 'look' at things handed down over generations.
I have also seen here in Europe people drawing their family trees and hanging it up in a frame.
The difference of course is that anyone can write7wrote and read/read about their ancestors. Be it tinker, tailor, buthcher or sailor.

Insecurity is Sir Walter's biggest problem.
He turns to the 'book' when there are problems, because lady Eliot isn't there to turn to.
He gains in self confidence because of it.
IMO he neglects Elizabeth as well. Otherwise he would understand her feelings regarding 'the book' and not leave it open near her.

I am quite sure he sees only Elizabeth's good looks, rather than Elizabeth her self.

I have one word for him:
silly and empty headed.
OK these are two words, or even three.