Catherine: The Innocent One

Catherine, the protagonist, is very innocent and naive when it comes to society. She has been sheltered her whole life, and seems to be lost when it comes to society's banter. Throughout the novel Catherine was able to mature in many ways. To start off, when it came to the simple (and I use that word lightly) topic of men, she had no idea what was going on.
She meets Henry early on in the novel, and is automatically consumed with his sense of humor and the way he makes fun society. It puts her at ease. It is almost like Henry is letting her know that it is perfectly fine that she has been sheltered her whole life, because it's not like she was missing out on anything great. Henry's soothing ways and sense of humor draw Catherine right in.
Once Catherine meets Henry and starts to develop feelings for him, she has no idea what to do...this is a form of her development into society and into woman hood. She is coming across new feelings and trying to adapt to them.

Catherine shows her naivete continuously throughout the novel. For example, when Isabella and her brother spend more time with each other, and flirt continuously, Catherine has no idea. She is very annoyed with their behavior, and taken back by their notions. Her sweet innocence is in the way of what is going on around her. She tries to learn from people such as Isabella of what is going on in society, but it only seems to help her a little.
Catherine's growth is quite evident throughout the novel, as she climbs the latter in society.