I found this link last night (early this morning I should say) and found it pretty interesting. It proposes that Henry Tilney's character may be modelled in part on one Sydney Smith who Jane Austen would have known of, and may have met with, while in Bath. The article does concede that Austen is not said to have based her characters on anyone in particular, but allows the possibility of her train of thought linking the real-life Sydney to the fictitious Henry. I hope that was clear; I would rather be anything than unclear! (What is that line from? It is Jane, is it not?)

Perhaps you have all read this and discussed it at an earlier time. If so, sorry to bother you with it again. If not, I hope you enjoy.

I especially liked Sydney's Definition of "A NICE PERSON"--Very Henryesque!! You can literally see him talking to Catherine...