I haven't read Midnight Sun so this article is from the 'Bella-point-of-view' books. Edward has been single for over 100 years. While this sounds riddikulus, funny sometimes, it somewhat makes him attractive (Twihards: attractive personality). His 'waiting-for-the-right-person' aura makes him mysterious. I couldn't care if Edward was played by Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson or Dustin Diamond. So for now I am going to set aside the looks, sparkles, stalking, virginity, erections and anything that confirms or contradicts his vampire-ness and dissect his raw personality.

Twilight:
The first thing we get to know is he is painfully gorgeous. While it sounds like he's every girl's dream, an insight into his mind wouldn't be bad, would it? All we get to see in the books is the Adonis with the Achilles heel (Bella). Edward exudes a dignity that adds to his mystique. He is aware of his actions and takes responsibility for them. He is protective of the girl he loves but his need to watch her sleep annuls his noble intentions.

New Moon:
Edward cares for the girl he loves. His care, though worth appreciating, is futile. He leaves Bella in the middle of the forest after breaking up with her. And after learning that she has passed on to a higher plane he goes to commit vampire suicide by exposing himself to the mortal world. Thus, his dignity goes out the window. Dying for someone is poetic but living for someone who is no more is called sacrifice.

Eclipse:
Edward proposes Bella opposes. He respects the mortality of humans and thus refuses to turn Bella into the undead. His maturity is showcased by explaining the value of life and all the experiences that come with it. His acceptance of Bella's kiss with Jacob may come across as romantic to some but it belittles his love for her.

Breaking Dawn:
A big wedding and the much awaited honeymoon. All goes well but as usual things take an unexpected turn. His love for his wife proves to be far more than the love for his unborn child. He is willing to give up the joy of fatherhood, something that he thought was impossible, to save his wife.

Edward Cullen, as many claim, may be the perfect boyfriend but he does not have self-respect. He lives for Bella but never respects her. He controls her. Where his wisdom should have outdone her foolishness, he comes across just as foolish. Where his dignity could have made her a woman but his obsession kept her gullible.

What did he do all those Bella-free years? What does he like to do other than hunt animals? What are his hobbies? What kind of books does he read? What was his mortal life like? What was his mortal family like? No idea.

Edward never develops into a man. Into someone who is truly respectable. Instead he is churned into a caricature that is never appreciated for his personality or mind. Edward Cullen is the fantasy that never goes away but for now we're better off keeping our windows closed.