Here's how JA introduces him at the beginning...

"Edward Ferrars was not recommended to their good opinion by any peculiar graces of person or address. He was not handsome, and his manners required intimacy to make them pleasing. He was too diffident to do justice to himself; but when his natural shyness was overcome, his behaviour gave every indication of an open affectionate heart. His understanding was good, and his education had given it solid improvement."

Jane's pretty sly here...now we (and Marianne) have got to know Edward a little better, we see the appeal of him!