Oh, I have and do. Multiple times. I like Pride and Prejudice's story better but I do like Sense and Sensibility. I particularly liked Colonel Brandon.
Maybe because he's seen far more, has been so unlucky in love before, or is a man of his time who genuinely cares for the people around him? I've never been able to put into words why I like him so much.
Well, Darcy (as incarnated by Colin Firth -- ONLY by him, though) will always be my first and favorite Austen hero, but I totally agree about Colonel Brandon, and PARTICULARLY as portrayed by Alan Rickman. Word to the wise, I am not at all sure I'd actually get along with Darcy in real life. (Perfect as the ideal hero, but he'd also make me very much aware of my own imperfections!) With Brandon, I'd always know we're on the same wave length. Similarly, though to a lesser degree, Captain Wentworth from Persuasion. And yes, I do think it has something to do with having suffered disappointment and heartbreak themselves. Darcy has been played foul by Wckham and has witnessed Wickham break the heart of his sister, but for all we learn about him, he has never suffered any serious disappointments in love; which is precisely one of the reasons why Lizzy's "had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner" refusal is such a genuine and wholesome shock to him. Both Brandon and Wentworth have "been there" before themselves -- and both of them have also seen a fair share of the world in other respects. I think I'd like that.
Well written and well reasoned. I've not read Persuasion yet, but what you said certainly rings true for Brandon. And yes, as much as we all like Darcy...I'm not sure but I would choose Brandon over him.
And of course my liking of the character has a bit...tiny, miniscule...to do with Alan Rickman playing him.
Yeah, it's on my list and I feel the shame every time I have to say "I've never read it". I'm wanting to do an Austen read through next year, set it up as a challenge and everything...because apparently I respond really well to having goals, etc. for my reading.
The "Reading Jane Austen" group is contemplating Persuasion as a group read some day soon. Maybe join and set that as a closer and more limited goal for the moment? [g]
:O)
And of course my liking of the character has a bit...tiny, miniscule...to do with Alan Rickman playing him.