Character Connection:Elinor Dashwood

Hosted by Jen at The Introverted Reader, here is her description of Character Connection.

We all have characters we love. Let's spotlight these fantastic creations! Whether you want to be friends with them or you have a full-blown crush on them, you know you love them and want everyone else to love them too! 
Be sure to post the book's title and author, and be very careful not to give away spoilers while talking about how much you love your characters.

 This is my first time doing this, so I will pick the character I have the most connection with.

Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

I recently re-read Sense and Sensibility and was almost overcome because of how much I relate to Elinor, see myself in her. Though I am perhaps not as discreet, wise, and composed, Elinor is a very big part of my personality. I must admit, I am have some of Marianne as well (my mother is a Marianne) but I really connect to the eldest Dashwood daughter.
I love Elinor because she looks at the facts, and act on them, so her foundation is always secure, in a way. But she feels deeply, though she lets no one know for a long time. She thinks of others before herself, but also thinks of herself.She attempts to guide Marianne, but eventually leaves off with that, and is just there for her, which I think in that point in time, was the wisest course.
I also love Elinor because her gentle strength is not to be trifled with, and she shows that you don't have to be desperate or obvious to get your heart's desires.
This is why I connect to Elinor, but please understand I don't claim to posses all these mature qualities. ;-)
Join in Character Connection!!!