Jane Austen on Practical Wisdom, Constancy, and Unreserve

Is Jane Austen enough of an Aristotelian to embrace his controversial doctrine of the unity of the virtues? I focus on the virtues of unreserve, which has been largely neglected, and constancy, the nature of which is disputed. I defend three theses: First, Austen portrays a dependence of practical wisdom upon good character, and especially upon constancy and unreserve. Second, constancy is not merely romantic fidelity; it also involves a general commitment to ideals. Third, unreserve not only helps people produce the intimacy needed in close relationships but is also essential to producing people who are fit for intimacy.