What character does the author develop that most strongly represents the theme of the inevitability of the modernization?

The narrator is not entirely truthful about his reasons for staying in Venice. I would say this is the case since he was "smitten by a pair of languishing black eyes" so appears to be intrigued by an Italian woman who he most likely wants to get to know but gives as his reason for lingering in Venice to study "men and manners".