Final answer:
The author's choice to introduce Edward Ferrars through the thoughts and conversations of others most impacts the meaning of the passage by providing an external and objective view of his character.
Step-by-step explanation:
This is what is known as third-person narration. The voice does not belong to a particular character in the novel, and in the extract it does not assume the perspective of any of the characters, merely describing their physical appearance, social status and relationships. The author's choice to introduce Edward Ferrars through the thoughts and conversations of others most impacts the meaning of the passage by providing an external and objective view of his character. This allows readers to form their own opinions about him based on the observations and opinions of other characters, rather than relying solely on his own perspective.