The age gap between Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is approximately 18 years.
While the exact ages of both characters are not explicitly stated in the novel, Austen provides clues through their interactions and descriptions.
- Colonel Brandon: He is described as being "about forty" and having served in the military for many years.
- Marianne Dashwood: She is portrayed as a young woman, likely in her late teens or early twenties.
Considering these details, it is reasonable to assume that Colonel Brandon is significantly older than Marianne. The exact age gap could be slightly more or less than 18 years, but this estimate offers a close approximation based on the information available in the novel.