Emma by Jane Austen
Emma socially adopts Harriet into her high society circle almost as an act of charity. She meddles in Harriet's love and personal life, believing that she is doing what she believes is best and will benefit Harriet, albeit persuading Harriet to not say yes to Robert Martin. She initially, though hesitant to speak it, finds Harriet somewhat of a "tragic" case. She had to be confronted multiple times byMt Knightley about her treatment of Harriet. What seems like pity for Harriet and a sense of self-righteousness dictates Emma's actions, guiding Harriet to climb the social ladder.
However, one can say that Emma can be seen as a pitiful character herself. She has never experienced true adversity in her like thanks to her privilege, power, wealth, and status. One can say that she herself is a "tragic" case because the lack of excitement happening to directly her makes her meddle in others' life.
Though some may say she does not fully blossom into a developed and changed character by the end of the novel either, she does show some growth and appreciation for her friends: "Emma admitted her to be the luckiest creature in the world" (451). Emma does not harbor resentment towards the situation anymore.
Emma could be seen as a realistic character because it is not promised that she won't meddle any more after the end of the novel. In this case, the reflection of life makes for a great balance of pessimism and optimism.