Jane Austen discussion

To me these two characters seem very similar to me: proper, kindly, and a bit bland. Could someone distinguish the two for me? (Edward and Edmund fans, stand up!)

An interesting discussion idea! Here are a few somewhat rambling thoughts:

I agree that they're both kind and thoughtful. They're also alike in that they both become clergymen, but in Edward's case that's against his mother's wishes, whereas Edmund has the full support of his father (his mother doesn't really count, as there isn't room for a fully-formed thought in her head). Edward is intended by his family to be a somewhat dashing oldest son, whereas Edmund is a second son, and seems quite happy in the role.

Both start off with the wrong woman, but in Edmund's case it's because he didn't notice the right one under his nose all the time.

Edmund seems quietly full of self-confidence, whereas Edward is so repressed that he actually reminds me more of Fanny than of Edmund.

I think of Edmund as a deep moral thinker, I think he cares about people around him, loves literature and poetry and he is feels responsible for both his friends and family. I think he can be passionate and decisive, but he is a sucker for a pretty face.

Edward is less decisive, more willing to please. He is less of a care-giver, and more of a shy lover. He wants to hang more in the background and be less in the middle of the discussion. He can be firm when pushed to the point, but is mostly open to suggestion. I think he likes women who can draw him out.