Perhaps Elinor's choice of a suitor in Edward reveals a lot about her personality. From Elinor's description of him in ch4 we learn that Edward is quiet and shy, and yet intelligent and well read. His defiance of his mother and sister's wishes that he become a 'great man' and drive a barouch shows that he thinks much more seriously about life. He is definitely isn't the sort of man to attract Marriane, but his reserve and kind manners recommend him to Elinor.