Catherine's Development?

At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Catherine Morland. She is introduced as the heroine of this book (1), a claim which I believe Jane Austen will later clarify in the novel. Austen, the author of Northanger Abbey, seems to have significant insight into Catherine’s character thus far in the narrative. Austen knows what activities Catherine has enjoyed, and how she has developed throughout her childhood (1-2). This insight into a character from an outside perspective (or narrator) is different than it was in Wieland and True History of the Kelly Gang. In a sense, it is somewhat refreshing to have characters, such as Catherine, described by an individual who we believe does not become involved in the plot of this novel.

Austen describes how Catherine has developed from a “plain” girl into an individual with more beauty (1-2). However, I believe Catherine has yet to truly develop into her own individual. She continually seems blind by events that are occurring around her. For example, she has failed to realize that her older brother, James Morland, likes or possibly even loves her new friend Isabella (29). As this novel progresses, Catherine will be forced open her eyes. I believe that some events, whether tragic or not, will cause Catherine to develop into a more mature and conscious individual.