I read something that reminded me of Robert Ferras a few weeks ago that I wanted to mention during the week he appeared on the scene. Unfortunately, for the life of me, I can't find the source to quote it so I'll relate it as best I can remember.
It was a section in a book/source that was talking about quizzing and my first thought was that they were going to be talking about our friend John Thorpe from NA but it only gave this information without mentioning any names. A quiz, in the sense they were talking about, is a wealthy woman or dandy who gives a stare/s at others to make them uncomfortable. I thought this fit Robert to a 'T' with his broad stares at Elinor and Marianne.
While I'm at it, Robert's purchase of a toothpick case is an example of one of JA's premier scenes, imo, ending with: "At last the affair was decided. The ivory, the gold, and the pearls, all received their appointment, and the gentleman having named the last day on which his existence could be continued without possession of the toothpick-case, drew on his gloves with leisurely care, and bestowing another glance on the miss Dashwoods, but such a one as seemed rather to demand than express admiration, walked off with an happy air of real conceit and affected indifference." (33) How choice is that? Later, when we find out who he is, we know exactly what to think of him.