He's certainly not like any of the other obstacle characters named. In so many ways, in another book, James Morland and Isabela Thorpe would be the main characters, since the principal drama revolves around them (and Captain Tilney plays more of a primary role in their story, despite being family to Henry & Eleanor). Yet another way Austen pushes us to see Henry and Catherine as "secondary," even if they're the characters we follow the most (which I believe is done once again with tongue firmly in cheek).
Yes, his entrance here is a topper: I'm glad to see how it builds interest. But he's not in the best frame of mind at the moment, so expect a less than happy visit for all.
