In "The Ionian Mission" by Patrick O'Brian, the character Jack Aubrey is described as a large, cheerful man who often surrounds himself with smaller, more irritable friends. When Stephen enters the scene, he appears somewhat shrewish, highlighting the contrast between Aubrey's open and jovial demeanor and the more anxious nature of those around him.

This dynamic reflects a common theme where gregarious individuals attract friends with different personalities. Aubrey’s affable nature stands out against the backdrop of his companions' more reserved and tense dispositions, illustrating how social interactions can vary among different character types in the narrative.