Acceptably average?

Northanger Abbey may have been written to satirize gothic novels, but many of Austen's descriptions suggest that she intended Catherine's run-of-the-mill personality to be something her readers could identify with and relate to. The narrative tone throughout the novel is arguably condescending and disdainful; however, despite the fact the narrator's compliments are often tinged with sarcasm, it is clear that Catherine is not a villain of any sort and thus perhaps not worthy of true contempt. In several instances, especially those in which Catherine's character contrasts noticeably with that of another figure, the narrator seems appreciative of the fact that Catherine is not just another a stereotypical female of the time. Although she is presented as "as plain as any" (9) and one who has "by nature nothing heroic about her" (10), Catherine's enjoyment of reading and disinterest in much of the social activities popular with those around her sets her apart in a way that the narrator seems to value. Indeed, Austen's self-insertion in which she defends novels (29) suggests that her description of the adolescent Catherine as having the ability to comprehend and appreciate written works is admiring.

It is possible that Catherine is one of the only characters to whom Austen intended for us to relate. Catherine possesses neither stunning beauty or remarkable intelligence, but her ordinariness doesn't keep her from getting immersed in a good story. Both feelings of plainness and social naivety, traits of Catherine's which are highlighted constantly throughout the novel, are experiences that most people have at one time had. Austen herself may have at one time felt herself to be socially lackluster, and therefore created a character that embodies a plethora of mundane traits so as to give readers with a similar mindset someone they could relate to.