Jane's "Fools:" Poking a Little Fun through Characters
Although Austen's novels are filled with interesting characters used to express the common qualms of the era, like a true literary comic she incorporates the use of fools. Literary fools are characters which sole purpose to participate in foolish behavior, and Jane Austen takes this concept to the next level by creating one dimensional characters that highlight an essential flaw, such as Lady Bertram's indolence,thus not only creating sources of great amusement, but also serving as vehicles that propel the plot. Thus many of Jane Austen's fools serve as obstacles between the main character and their journey to eventual happiness, in addition to being objects of satire.
"Elinor could not suppose that Sir John would be more nice in proclaiming his suspicions of her regard for Edward..The Letter F--had been likewise invariably brought forward, and found productive of such countless jokes, that its character as the wittiest letter in the alphabet had been long established with Elinor." (Austen on Sir John teasing Elinor. Chapter 21: Volume 1 in Sense and Sensibility)
"Elinor could not suppose that Sir John would be more nice in proclaiming his suspicions of her regard for Edward..The Letter F--had been likewise invariably brought forward, and found productive of such countless jokes, that its character as the wittiest letter in the alphabet had been long established with Elinor." (Austen on Sir John teasing Elinor. Chapter 21: Volume 1 in Sense and Sensibility)