Final answer:
The author's use of third person point of view provides an objective and comprehensive introduction to the central character, offering detailed descriptions without bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's use of third person point of view in a passage can contribute to the story in several ways, depending on whether it is a third-person limited or third-person omniscient perspective. In a third-person limited point of view, the narration focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a single character, which can provide a deep understanding of that character's personal experiences and development within the story. On the other hand, a third-person omniscient point of view allows the narrator to know everything about all characters and events, which can give a broader understanding of the story's context and character dynamics.
In the given passage, the third-person narration is not aligned with any particular character's perspective. This detached viewpoint allows the reader to receive an objective description of Catherine Morland, the character's physical appearance, social status, and personal preferences. This level of detail indicates that Catherine is likely the central character. When considering how this point of view contributes to the passage, it becomes clear that this narrative style provides a comprehensive introduction to the character without the bias that might come with a first-person narrative or a third-person limited perspective aligned with another character.