Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice -- Index of Characters Pride and Prejudice (it is based ultimately on the basic list of characters in Chapman's 1923 edition). Select the name of a character in the detailed alphabetical listing below to jump to the first meaningful appearance of that character in the novel. Other links are to significant descriptions of the major characters -- this list indexes passages which describe the appearances, personalities, and circumstances of the characters (but does not index the events in the novel as such; for this see the chronological index ). The index to passages referring to the themes of "pride" and "prejudice" has additional insights into some of the characters. Bennets, Philipses, and Gardiners Mr. Collins is a cousin of Mr. Bennet (an explanation of the entail is available). +--------------+---------------------------+ | | | | | | Mr. Bennet === Mrs. Bennet Mrs. Philips === Mr.

Philips Edward === M---- | Gardiner | +--------+-+-----+-------+-------+ | | | | | | +--+--+--+ Jane Elizabeth Mary "Kitty" Lydia | | | | [Catherine] Four children Darcys, Fitzwilliams, and De Bourghs The individuals in parentheses died before the main action of the novel begins. (Old Earl of ----, surnamed Fitzwilliam) | +------------+----+----------------+ | | | (Old Mr. === (Lady current Lady === (Sir Lewis Darcy) | Anne) Earl of ---- Catherine | de Bourgh) | | | +------+------+ +---+------+ | | | | | | Fitzwilliam Georgiana elder Colonel Anne de Darcy Darcy son(s) Fitzwilliam Bourgh Description . The Bennets: Mr. BENNET , of Longbourn-house in Hertfordshire ; the estate was about £2,000 a year, and £5,000 was settled on his wife and children. Finances . He married ---- Gardiner ( Mrs. Bennet ), daughter of a Meryton attorney, £4,000.

(From the fact that she has been married 23 years , it can be deduced that she was almost certainly in her forties -- the prime marrying years for women were between ages 17 and 27.) Elizabeth after Darcy's letter: Mrs. Bennet supports Kitty and Lydia in their giddiness . Their children: Jane , 22. (Jane is often referred to simply as "Miss Bennet" , according to the convention that the first name of the eldest unmarried daughter in a family is omitted after "Miss"; Elizabeth is sometimes addressed as "Miss Bennet" by the other characters, but the narrator never refers to her in that way.) Considered the prettiest of the five Bennet daughters: Darcy , Elizabeth , Bingley (to Darcy) , Bingley (overheard) , Mr. Collins , and Mrs. Bennet : 1st 2nd .

(According to one of Jane Austen's letters, of May 24th 1813 , "Green was a favorite colour with her".) Jane has "no idea of there being so much design [scheming] in the world as some persons imagine." "Let me take it in the best light" ; i.e. Jane prefers to believe that she has been mistaken in supposing Bingley's affection for her, rather than that his sisters would designedly try to separate him from her, and he would be so easily swayed. Elizabeth , 20. Her family calls her "Lizzy", her friends and neighbours call her "Eliza", and the narrator usually calls her "Elizabeth" (never "Miss Bennet" ). Soon after the publication of Pride and Prejudice , Jane Austen wrote about Elizabeth Bennet, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know". Description: She has a "lively playful disposition".

Memoir , that Mary `obtained nothing higher than one of her uncle Philips's clerks' in marriage, after the period described in the novel. Lydia's "restless ecstacy" on being invited by the Forsters to Brighton . Elizabeth to Mr. Bennet : Lydia in danger of becoming "a flirt in the worst and meanest degree of flirtation... -- Vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled!". Mr. Bennet to Elizabeth : Lydia will be humbled by being a small fish in a big pond at Brighton . Elizabeth : the contents of Darcy's letter "restore Bingley to all her former good opinion" , and so "heightened the sense of what Jane had lost". His sisters: See also "Fair" in the topics list . Mr. Collins's letter to Mr. Bennet on the elopement of Lydia is a most amazing production -- it's difficult to count the number of ways in which Mr. Collins manages to be offensive, apparently without being aware of it, in one medium-sized paragraph. (The novelist Trollope considered Mr.

Collins's letters to be a comic masterpiece which "would move laughter in a low-church archbishop".) First off, it is not entirely clear that any letter at all from Mr. Collins is called for upon this occasion (cf. Elizabeth: "Assistance is impossible; condolence, insufferable -- let them triumph over us at a distance" ); however, a proper letter would begin something along the lines of "Unfortunately, I could not help hearing about Lydia ...", would probably be discreetly silent as to the exact source from which the letter-writer heard the news, and would scrupulously avoid any implication that the letter-writer himself has spread the scandal any further. And he tells on himself for scandalmongering to the De Bourghs . He then offers a little self-contradictory "consolation" : He offers to "alleviate" Mr. Bennet's distress, whose cause, on the other hand, "no time can remove". He "comforts" Mr. Bennet by pointing out that "The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this". Lady Catherine intends Darcy to marry her daughter Anne: 1st. 2nd.

Even Wickham admits Darcy has some good qualities.... Dawson , Lady Catherine's maid . Sir Lewis DE BOURGH, knight, of Rosings Park in Kent . His widow, the Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh , neé Fitzwilliam, daughter of the Earl of ---- and sister of Lady Anne Darcy . (She is referred to as "Lady" followed by her first name because she is the daughter of a higher nobleman -- as opposed to Lady Lucas , who is merely the wife of a knight -- see an an explanation of aristocratic honorific prefixes here .) Described by Elizabeth and/or narrator ; "Dignified impertinence" . She gives minute advice on how other people should run their lives: 1st . 2nd . ...and by Lady Catherine ; Darcy thinks this must lessen his nieces' chances of marrying well. Sir William LUCAS, knight , of Lucas Lodge .

(See an an explanation of aristocratic honorific prefixes such as "Sir".) Description : his knighthood "had given him a disgust to his business and to his residence in a small market town; and quitting them both, he had removed with his family to a house about a mile from Meryton, ... where he could think with pleasure of his own importance, and, unshackled by business, occupy himself solely in being civil to all the world". What this means is that Sir William Lucas is an irresponsible parent -- he has taken on the airs of gentility without the ability to give his children (except possibly the eldest son ) the necessary wealth to support this status; the effect of this on Charlotte is seen in her marriage . If Sir William had been more responsible, he would have done what the father or grandfather of the Bingleys did -- keep working until definitely wealthy, and then let the next generation be "genteel" . Elizabeth Bennet | The Jane Austen Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit Elizabeth is an intelligent young woman who is described as having "a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous". She often presents a playful good natured impertinence, that does not offend.

Early in the novel she is depicted as being personally proud of her mental quickness and her acuity in judging the social behaviour and intentions of others. Elizabeth is the second of five sisters and her father's favourite, and is described by him by having "something more of quickness than her sisters"; though she is often distressed and embarrassed by the behaviour of her mother and of her younger sisters. Her father is a gentleman and a landowner, but his estate, Longbourn, is entailed away from him because he does not have a son, and upon his death, Longbourn will be inherited by his cousin William Collins , a sycophantic and foolish clergyman. Elizabeth is described as being the child that her mother is "least fond" of, especially after she refuses Mr. Collins' proposal of marriage. She is considered a local beauty and charming, with "fine eyes", which are the first features Fitzwilliam Darcy is drawn to. He is later drawn more particularly to her mind and personality, and eventually considers her to be "one of the handsomest women" in his acquaintance. The novel primarily focuses on Elizabeth and her relationship with Mr.

Darcy, a wealthy, proud man who upon their first meeting snubs her at a public dance in her home village. Elizabeth's first impression then is to disdain Mr. Darcy. When she meets handsome, attentive George Wickham , she considers him charming and personable and there is a mutual attraction between them. Wickham leads Elizabeth and the neighborhood to believe he has been unfairly treated by Darcy, claiming that Darcy denied him a living as a clergyman that was his due. Elizabeth's dislike of Darcy is further fueled by his disrupting the courtship of her beloved sister Jane and Charles Bingley , Darcy's friend. Elizabeth is persuaded that her prejudice against Darcy is well-founded, both on available evidence and upon her superior judgment of human character. Meanwhile, Jane is suffering because Mr. Bingley, the man whom she thought loved her, has gone away to London. Jane was persuaded that the cause of this departure was because Bingley's sisters, Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst , thought an attachment between their brother and Jane would not be proper because of the disparity in wealth and social position.

Later Elizabeth learns from Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam , that it was Darcy who collaborated with Caroline and Louisa to separate the pair, all which causes her to dislike Mr. Darcy even more. As a result, when Darcy, who has fallen in love with her, proposes marriage —only a few hours after her conversation with his cousin, and during which he reminds her of the large gap in their social statuses, Elizabeth vehemently refuses him. When asked why, she sharply details her reasons for disliking him, not the least being his role in separating Jane and Mr. Bingley; and, she notes the account of him received from Mr. Wickham. Finally, on his complaint of her apparent bitterness, she replies: the arrogant way by which he proposed to her prevented her from feeling concerns for him she "might have felt... had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner." Darcy departs in anger and mortification; he writes a letter to Elizabeth wherein he defends his wounded honour and reveals the motives for his interference in Jane and Bingley's relationship; and he gives a full account of his lifelong dealings with Wickham.

After much thought, Elizabeth recollects inconsistencies in Wickham's story, and now she suspects he is not such the honourable character as she first judged. She begins to recognize her own prejudices and her errors in judgment. Elizabeth also begins re-evaluating her opinions of Darcy who, it seems, is also committed to some significant re-evaluation of his own actions and general behaviour towards others. Later in the story Elizabeth is invited by her aunt and uncle to go Derbyshire with them. While they are there, they persuade Elizabeth to visit Darcy's estate of Pemberley. When they arrive, Elizabeth finds the mansion and gardens beautiful and impressive. When Darcy returns home unexpectedly and meets her on the grounds of Pemberley, she is astonished at his courtesy to her and her relatives. Later, she is introduced to Georgiana Darcy , Fitzwilliam Darcy's sister. Elizabeth is charmed by Georgiana's shy disposition, and they soon become friends. When Elizabeth's youngest sister, Lydia , elopes with Wickham, Darcy intervenes, and at significant expense, saves Lydia from disgrace. Elizabeth realizes that her feelings for Darcy have come full circle. Soon after Elizabeth's sister Jane gets engaged to Mr.

Bingley, Darcy proposes a second time and Elizabeth accepts. Bennet Family Miss Elizabeth Bennet - Before her marriage and being younger than Jane Bennet, she held this title until her marriage. Mrs Darcy - Elizabeth's title after her marriage to Fitzwilliam Darcy. My Mistress - Elizabeth's title during her marriage to Darcy, in Pemberley, being the Mistress of Pemberly. Cousin Elizabeth - When Mr. William Collins calls for Elizabeth. Pride and Prejudice: Character Profiles | Novelguide Pride and Prejudice: Character Profiles Average Overall Rating: 4.5 Total Votes: 413 Elizabeth: Elizabeth is the main character of the novel, and the story traces her changing impressions of other characters throughout the narrative. While at first she finds Wickham charming and Darcy proud, in the end she realizes that she has been blind and prejudiced, and that Darcy is the true gentleman while Wickham is not.

About Elizabeth, Jane Austen wrote in a letter, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least I do not know." Jane: Jane is the eldest Bennet daughter and is considered quite pretty by all. Her seeming indifference to Bingley initially drives him away from her (with the help of Darcy), but in the end the two are married. Elizabeth often wishes she could be as good and happy as Jane is, as Jane never thinks badly of anyone. Mr. Bennet: Mr. Bennet is the husband of Mrs. Bennet and the father of Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. He is the master of Longbourn. He has a sarcastic humor, and believes his two eldest daughters sensible, while he finds his wife and younger daughters silly. Mrs. Bennet : Mrs. Bennet is the wife of Mr. Bennet and the mother of Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Her main goal is to get her daughters married, and her only joys come from visiting and gossip.

She often embarrasses Elizabeth and Jane, as she is not as sensible as her husband is. Mary: Mary is the only plain Bennet sister, and rather than join in some of the family activities, she reads, although is often impatient for display. She works hard for knowledge and accomplishment, but has neither genius nor taste. At the ball at Netherfield, she embarrasses Elizabeth by singing badly. Kitty: Kitty is the second to the youngest Bennet sister, and is often referred to as silly. She and Lydia spend their time running after officers in Meryton, but after the influence of Lydia is removed, Kitty greatly improves. Lydia: Lydia is the youngest Bennet daughter, and she is described as silly and untamed. After she elopes with Wickham and he is paid to marry her, she shows no remorse, but acts as if she has made a wonderful match that her sisters should be jealous of. Bingley: Bingley is the good looking and gentlemanlike master of Netherfield. He is admired by all, and does not seem to mind the inferior rank of Jane and her family.

He allows Darcy to sway him into leaving Netherfield by saying Jane is indifferent to him, but later returns to find that Jane loves him after all. Darcy: Darcy is early condemned as proud in the novel, and indeed his behavior seems to suggest it, but after Elizabeth's refusal of him, he takes her reproofs to heart and tries to change. Elizabeth realizes that some of what had been seen as pride was rather shyness and realizes what a gentleman he is, and in the end, people's opinions of him are changing. Caroline Bingley: Caroline is the sister of Bingley, and while Elizabeth thinks her proud and conceited, Jane becomes a special friend of hers. After Caroline forsakes Jane in hopes that her brother will marry Miss Darcy, Jane ends the acquaintance. Caroline is usually making fun of Elizabeth and her family, as she is jealous of Darcy's admiration of her. Louisa Hurst: Mrs. Hurst is also a sister of Bingley's. She is also proud, and takes part in making fun of Elizabeth. Sir William Lucas and Lady Lucas: The Lucases are neighbors to the Bennets, and Lady Lucas and Mrs.

Bennet compare their accomplishments in trying to get their daughters married. Charlotte Lucas: Charlotte is the daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas and an intimate friend of Elizabeth's. She surprises Elizabeth by marrying Mr. Collins, and Elizabeth feels the couple will not be happy. Mr. Collins: Mr. Collins is the cousin of Mr. Bennet, and will inherit Longbourn at Mr. Bennet's death. He is a clergyman under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Burgh, and his constant apologies and flattery are self-serving. At first he intends to marry Jane, then changes to Elizabeth, and when she refuses him, marries Charlotte Lucas. Mr. Wickham: Mr. Wickham comes to Meryton as an officer and at first his good looks and pleasant manner enchant all. However, it is soon known that he is a liar and in debt, and when he runs off with Lydia, he must be paid to marry her. Mrs. Gardiner: Mrs. Gardiner is Mr. Gardiner's wife and a favorite of Elizabeth and Jane.

Jane stays with the Gardiners in London for a while, and Elizabeth travels with them to Derbyshire, where she again meets Darcy. Mr. Gardiner: Mr. Gardiner is Mrs. Bennet's brother and the husband of Mrs. Gardiner, and is quite sensible and gentlemanlike. He tries to help Lydia when she elopes with Wickham. Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Lady Catherine is the aunt of Darcy, and the patron of Collins. She is quite proud and does not let the other characters forget their inferior rank. She is shocked by the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, but her attempts to ensure that they are never married only serve to bring them together. Colonel Fitzwilliam: Fitzwilliam is the younger son of Darcy's uncle. With Darcy, he is the guardian of Miss Darcy. Miss Darcy: Miss Darcy is Darcy's sister, and while in the beginning of the novel it is said that she is proud, Elizabeth finds her just to be shy. It is related that earlier in her life she had thought herself in love with Wickham, but that Darcy had stopped the marriage.

In the end she lives at Pemberley with Darcy and Elizabeth, and the two women are good friends. Pride and Prejudice: List of Characters | Austenprose - A Jane Austen Blog Pride and Prejudice: List of Characters Main Characters At Longbourn Mr. Bennet: of Longbourn-house, Hertfordshire. Entailed estate with £2,000 a year. Married to Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet: Nee Gardiner of Meryton with a £5,000 dowry. Sister of Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street, London and Mrs. Phillips of Meryton. Children: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and Lydia Miss Jane Bennet: Eldest unmarried Bennet daughter. Age 22. Dowry of £1,000. Marries Charles Bingley Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Heroine. Second unmarried Bennet daughter. Age 20. Dowry of £1,000. A reputed beauty with fine eyes. Nicknames Eliza & Lizzy. Marries Fitzwilliam Darcy Miss Mary Bennet: Third unmarried Bennet daughter.

Dowry of £1,000. Pedantic Miss Catherine Bennet: Fourth unmarried Bennet daughter. Dowry of £1,000. Nickname Kitty Miss Lydia Bennet: Fifth unmarried Bennet daughter. Age15. Dowry of £1,000. Marries George Wickham At Netherfield Park Mr. Charles Bingley: of Netherfield Park and London. Age 22. Parents deceased. Inherited £100,000. Brother of Louisa and Caroline. Marries Jane Bennet Mr. Hurst: of Grosvenor street, London. Married Louisa Bingley Mrs. Louisa Hurst: of Grosvenor street, London. Nee Bingley with £20,000 dowry. Parents deceased. Sister to Charles and Caroline Miss Caroline Bingley: of Netherfield Park and London. Unmarried with a £20,000 dowry. Parents deceased. Sister of Charles and Louisa At Lucas Lodge Sir William Lucas: of Lucas Lodge, Hertfordshire. Knight. Married to Lady Lucas. Neighbor of the Bennet’s Lady Lucas: of Lucas Lodge.

Married to Sir William Lucas. Children: Charlotte, Maria and unnamed girls and boys Miss Charlotte Lucas: Eldest unmarried Lucas daughter. Age 27. Sister of Maria. Friend of Elizabeth’s. Marries Mr. Collins Miss Maria Lucas: Unmarried younger Lucas daughter. Sister of Charlotte In Meryton Mr. Phillips: of Meryton. Attorney. Married ___ Gardiner Mrs. Phillips: of Meryton. Nee Gardiner. Married to Mr. Phillips. Sister of Edward Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet At Rosings Park Sir Lewis de Bourgh: of Rosings Park, Kent. Married Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam. Deceased Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh: of Rosings Park. Nee Fitzwilliam. Daughter of an Earl. Widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh. Sister of unnamed brother and Lady Anne Darcy. Children: Anne. Nephews: Col. Fitzwilliam and Fitzwilliam Darcy Miss Anne de Bourgh: of Rosings Park. Unmarried de Bourgh daughter. Sickly. Promised in marriage to Mr.

Darcy Colonel Fitzwilliam: Unmarried younger son of an Earl. Nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Cousin of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy Rev. William Collins: of Hunsford Parsonage, Kent. Rector by Lady Catherine’s patronage. Cousin and heir of Mr. Bennet. Marries Charlotte Lucas At Pemberley Mr. Darcy (the elder): of Pemberley, Derbyshire. Married Lady Anne Fitzwilliam. Deceased. Children: Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Lady Anne Darcy: of Pemberley. Nee Fitzwilliam. Daughter of an Earl. Married Mr. Darcy. Deceased. Sister of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Children Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Hero. Of Pemberley, Derbyshire and London. Unmarried eldest son and heir with £10,000 a year. Age 28. Nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Brother of Georgina. Cousin of Col. Fitzwilliam. Marries Elizabeth Bennet Miss Georgiana Darcy: of Pemberley and London.

Unmarried Darcy daughter. Age 16. Niece of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Sister of Fitzwilliam. Cousin of Col Fitzwilliam The Regiment Colonel Forster: Commanding Officer of the ___shire Militia stationed in Meryton Mrs. Harriet Forster: Col. Forster’s wife Mr. George Wickham: A Lieutenant of the ___shire Militia. Son of Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy’s (the elder) stewart. Attended Cambridge University In Town Mr. Edward Gardiner: of Gracechurch street, London. Married to Mrs. Gardiner. Brother of Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips. Uncle of the Bennet daughters. Mrs. Gardiner: of Gracechurch street, London. Married to Edward Gardiner. Aunt of the Bennet daughters. Children: unnamed Minor Characters Mrs. Annesley: Companion to Miss Darcy Captain Carter: An officer of the ___shire Militia Mr. Chamberlayne: A soldier of the ___shire Militia Dawson: Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s lady’s maid Mr. Denny: A solider of the ___shire Militia Mr.

William Goulding: of Haye-Park Miss. Grantley: An acquaintance of Miss Bingley’s Mr. Haggerston: Mr. Gardiner’s man of business Harriet Harrington: An acquaintance of Lydia’s in Brighton Miss Pen Harrington: An acquaintance of Lydia’s in Brighton Mrs. Hill: The housekeeper at Longbourn-house Mrs. Jenkinson: A companion to Anne de Bourgh Mr. Jones: The apothecary of Meryton John: A servant of either the Collins’ or Gardiners Miss Mary King: An heiress with £10,000 that Wickham attempts to woo Mrs. Long: The Bennet’s neighbor Lady Metcalfe: An acquaintance of Lady Catherine Mr. Morris: Land agent in Meryton who shows Netherfield Park to Mr. Bingley Mrs. Nicholls: The housekeeper at Netherfield Park Miss Pope: A governess in Lady Metcalf’s family Mr. Pratt: A soldier of the ___shire Militia Mrs. Reynolds: The housekeeper at Pemberley Mr. Richard: An employee of Mr. Phillips Mr. Robinson: An attendee of the Meryton Assembly Mr.

Stone: An employee of Mr. Gardiner Miss Watson: A resident of Meryton The Miss Webbs: Acquaintances of Lady Catherine de Bourgh Mr. Wickham: A former steward to the late Mr. Darcy. Deceased Mrs. Younge: A former companion of Miss Darcy © 2010 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose Share this: SparkNotes: Pride and Prejudice: Plot Overview Pride and Prejudice Context Character List The news that a wealthy young gentleman named Charles Bingley has rented the manor of Netherfield Park causes a great stir in the nearby village of Longbourn, especially in the Bennet household. The Bennets have five unmarried daughters—from oldest to youngest, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia—and Mrs. Bennet is desperate to see them all married. After Mr. Bennet pays a social visit to Mr. Bingley, the Bennets attend a ball at which Mr. Bingley is present. He is taken with Jane and spends much of the evening dancing with her. His close friend, Mr.

Darcy, is less pleased with the evening and haughtily refuses to dance with Elizabeth, which makes everyone view him as arrogant and obnoxious. At social functions over subsequent weeks, however, Mr. Darcy finds himself increasingly attracted to Elizabeth’s charm and intelligence. Jane’s friendship with Mr. Bingley also continues to burgeon, and Jane pays a visit to the Bingley mansion. On her journey to the house she is caught in a downpour and catches ill, forcing her to stay at Netherfield for several days. In order to tend to Jane, Elizabeth hikes through muddy fields and arrives with a spattered dress, much to the disdain of the snobbish Miss Bingley, Charles Bingley’s sister. Miss Bingley’s spite only increases when she notices that Darcy, whom she is pursuing, pays quite a bit of attention to Elizabeth. When Elizabeth and Jane return home, they find Mr. Collins visiting their household. Mr. Collins is a young clergyman who stands to inherit Mr. Bennet’s property, which has been “entailed,” meaning that it can only be passed down to male heirs. Mr.

Collins is a pompous fool, though he is quite enthralled by the Bennet girls. Shortly after his arrival, he makes a proposal of marriage to Elizabeth. She turns him down, wounding his pride. Meanwhile, the Bennet girls have become friendly with militia officers stationed in a nearby town. Among them is Wickham, a handsome young soldier who is friendly toward Elizabeth and tells her how Darcy cruelly cheated him out of an inheritance. At the beginning of winter, the Bingleys and Darcy leave Netherfield and return to London, much to Jane’s dismay. A further shock arrives with the news that Mr. Collins has become engaged to Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s best friend and the poor daughter of a local knight. Charlotte explains to Elizabeth that she is getting older and needs the match for financial reasons. Charlotte and Mr. Collins get married and Elizabeth promises to visit them at their new home. As winter progresses, Jane visits the city to see friends (hoping also that she might see Mr. Bingley). However, Miss Bingley visits her and behaves rudely, while Mr. Bingley fails to visit her at all. The marriage prospects for the Bennet girls appear bleak.

That spring, Elizabeth visits Charlotte, who now lives near the home of Mr. Collins’s patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who is also Darcy’s aunt. Darcy calls on Lady Catherine and encounters Elizabeth, whose presence leads him to make a number of visits to the Collins’s home, where she is staying. One day, he makes a shocking proposal of marriage, which Elizabeth quickly refuses. She tells Darcy that she considers him arrogant and unpleasant, then scolds him for steering Bingley away from Jane and disinheriting Wickham. Darcy leaves her but shortly thereafter delivers a letter to her. In this letter, he admits that he urged Bingley to distance himself from Jane, but claims he did so only because he thought their romance was not serious. As for Wickham, he informs Elizabeth that the young officer is a liar and that the real cause of their disagreement was Wickham’s attempt to elope with his young sister, Georgiana Darcy. This letter causes Elizabeth to reevaluate her feelings about Darcy. She returns home and acts coldly toward Wickham. The militia is leaving town, which makes the younger, rather man-crazy Bennet girls distraught.

Lydia manages to obtain permission from her father to spend the summer with an old colonel in Brighton, where Wickham’s regiment will be stationed. With the arrival of June, Elizabeth goes on another journey, this time with the Gardiners, who are relatives of the Bennets. The trip takes her to the North and eventually to the neighborhood of Pemberley, Darcy’s estate. She visits Pemberley, after making sure that Darcy is away, and delights in the building and grounds, while hearing from Darcy’s servants that he is a wonderful, generous master. Suddenly, Darcy arrives and behaves cordially toward her. Making no mention of his proposal, he entertains the Gardiners and invites Elizabeth to meet his sister. Shortly thereafter, however, a letter arrives from home, telling Elizabeth that Lydia has eloped with Wickham and that the couple is nowhere to be found, which suggests that they may be living together out of wedlock. Fearful of the disgrace such a situation would bring on her entire family, Elizabeth hastens home. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet go off to search for Lydia, but Mr. Bennet eventually returns home empty-handed.

Just when all hope seems lost, a letter comes from Mr. Gardiner saying that the couple has been found and that Wickham has agreed to marry Lydia in exchange for an annual income. The Bennets are convinced that Mr. Gardiner has paid off Wickham, but Elizabeth learns that the source of the money, and of her family’s salvation, was none other than Darcy. Now married, Wickham and Lydia return to Longbourn briefly, where Mr. Bennet treats them coldly. They then depart for Wickham’s new assignment in the North of England. Shortly thereafter, Bingley returns to Netherfield and resumes his courtship of Jane. Darcy goes to stay with him and pays visits to the Bennets but makes no mention of his desire to marry Elizabeth. Bingley, on the other hand, presses his suit and proposes to Jane, to the delight of everyone but Bingley’s haughty sister. While the family celebrates, Lady Catherine de Bourgh pays a visit to Longbourn. She corners Elizabeth and says that she has heard that Darcy, her nephew, is planning to marry her.

Since she considers a Bennet an unsuitable match for a Darcy, Lady Catherine demands that Elizabeth promise to refuse him. Elizabeth spiritedly refuses, saying she is not engaged to Darcy, but she will not promise anything against her own happiness. A little later, Elizabeth and Darcy go out walking together and he tells her that his feelings have not altered since the spring. She tenderly accepts his proposal, and both Jane and Elizabeth are married. 1000+ images about Jane Austen on Pinterest | Jane austen quotes, Book show and Novels Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet twenty years later | TWENTY. YEARS? ...... And both just as lovely as ever! See More JASNA Essay Contest Davis, CA The Four Other Misses Bennet: Reflections of Elizabeth’s Developing Empathy A positive development in character temperament is at the heart of every novel written by Jane Austen. Austen is distinguished for detailing the personal journeys of dynamic characters, all of whom are able to find happiness and satisfaction after developing their perspectives and temperaments constructively.

This generalization is especially true in Pride and Prejudice, a novel that details the differences in nature between two obstinate young people, both of whom must learn to consider perspectives different from their own before being able to understand one another. Austen uses sibling relationships in the Bennet family to draw attention to such dynamic shifts in the ideals of her protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth’s shortcomings in empathy and understanding are routinely reflected, accounted for, or emphasized by Austen’s depiction of the Bennet sisters. Throughout Pride and Prejudice, events concerning Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia reflect a changing Elizabeth, who gradually develops a more compassionate and comprehensive point of view. The fluctuating interactions and relationships among the five Bennet sisters serve to underscore Elizabeth Bennet’s positive character development, reaffirming the optimistic viewpoint that pervades each of Austen’s six novels—that a person has the capacity to change his or her natural inclinations for the better. Austen’s initial portrayal of the Bennet sisters is lighthearted and humorous, suggesting the immaturity of their temperaments. She promptly introduces five very different sisters, all rather close in age, and each possessing her own characteristic personal qualities.

Austen takes measures to single out the sparkling Elizabeth Bennet as the protagonist: Elizabeth immediately commands our attention with her “lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous” (Austen 12). Though Elizabeth is the heroine, her youngest sister Lydia provides comedy to the narrative through her absurd obsession with officers and balls; her fancies become the target of many hilariously wry remarks from Mr. Bennet, who deems all his daughters except Elizabeth “silly and ignorant” (6). Though Lydia’s comical outbursts do add liveliness to early dialogue, Austen also intends for readers to feel wary of what will come of the “always unguarded and often uncivil” (110) escapades of Lydia and her accomplice Kitty, the second youngest Bennet sister. Compounding this air of foreboding is Elizabeth’s seemingly indifferent stance towards her sisters’ alarming behavior, a lack of concern that reveals her greatest fault: although clever and observant, she tends to form biased judgments.

Because Lydia and Kitty are her sisters, she never censures the impropriety of their manners, and is similarly unresponsive towards the “pedantic air and conceited manner” (23) of Mary, the middle Bennet sister. While Elizabeth is quite aware of Mary’s faults, even reduced to “agonies” by one of Mary’s particularly “affected” attempts at providing musical entertainment (88), she makes no attempt to even gently chide Mary’s clearly contrived countenance and her hypocritical “reflections” on topics such as “vanity and pride” (19). Yet, though she is overly tolerant of Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, Elizabeth regards Mr. Darcy with a different kind of bias. Apart from their first encounter, when Mr. Darcy deems her “tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” (12), Elizabeth’s growing disdain for the man is completely the result of town gossip and Mr. Wickham’s slander: “I think him very disagreeable […] He is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his pride” (68).

Elizabeth considers herself a “studier of […] intricate characters” (38), but her constantly prejudiced viewpoints and her lack of empathy, especially for the taciturn Mr. Darcy, are analogous to the insensitivity and passivity she initially shows towards her three younger sisters’ lack of decorum. Austen implies that Elizabeth must develop a more insightful, sensitive perspective in regard to her sisters’ behavior in order to better recognize the true character of her acquaintances. Austen further highlights Elizabeth’s prejudiced opinions by juxtaposing her impetuous temperament with Jane’s steadfast character. For example, Jane and Elizabeth often debate the validity of the latter’s pointed character appraisals during their many sisterly tête-à-têtes. During one such discussion, they dispute the credibility of Wickham’s allegations towards Mr. Darcy. Jane characteristically hesitates to condemn Darcy: “It is difficult indeed—it is distressing. One does not know what to think,” while Elizabeth staunchly sympathizes with Wickham: “I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think” (75).

Austen especially indicates Elizabeth’s feeling of strong disdain towards Jane’s trustful temperament: “With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others!” (15). Just as Elizabeth’s rashly formed opinions prevent her from discerning the true characters of Darcy and Wickham, she is also unwilling to recognize the value in Jane’s inclination to gradually ascertain the character of an acquaintance. Jane and Elizabeth are presented as foils to one another in order to illustrate Elizabeth’s shortcomings in insight and understanding of others; Austen suggests that Elizabeth must become more Jane-like and less hastily judgmental before achieving her own personal happiness. Yet, regardless of the virtues of Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet’s witty criticisms and hasty judgments certainly do establish a more engaging character than Jane’s “pliancy of temper” does, as discussed by Austen scholar Emily Auerbach: “We may have encountered sweet, angelic, beautiful, modest Jane Bennets before in literature, but no one like Elizabeth” (Auerbach 146). Elizabeth is more exciting than Jane partly due to her charmingly temperamental antagonism towards certain characters, but such inclinations also contribute to the formation of her prejudiced perspectives.

For this reason, Austen depicts Jane as providing a constant voice of reason to Elizabeth’s cursory condemnations. For instance, when Elizabeth exclaims petulantly of Charlotte Lucas that “the woman who marries [Mr. Collins] cannot have a proper way of thinking,” Jane tries to temper Elizabeth’s abrupt criticism, declaring her “language too strong in speaking of both” (Austen 117). These exchanges between the two eldest Bennet sisters testify to the vast lopsidedness of Elizabeth’s opinions, a disposition also evident in her blind tolerance of the youngest three Bennets’ ill breeding. In a similar fashion, Austen juxtaposes Elizabeth’s negative first impression of Mr. Darcy with Jane’s more neutral impression of him to emphasize Elizabeth’s lack of empathy and the consequences that will result from this shortcoming. For instance, Elizabeth’s perception of Mr. Darcy is immediately prejudiced after their initial awkward acquaintance. However, Darcy’s supposed hubris and Elizabeth’s belief in his having an overbearing personality are almost completely imagined on her part; no further occurrences between them support her suppositions. Unlike Elizabeth, who is self-righteously swept up in her idea of Mr.

Darcy’s unpleasant character, Jane is willing to give both Darcy and Wickham the benefit of the doubt, citing lack of evidence: “It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side” (74). How right her neutrality will eventually seem! Elizabeth later regrets deeply “that she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd” towards Mr. Darcy: “I, who have prided myself on my discernment! […] who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameless distrust!” (176). This sentiment, admitted shortly after the reception of Mr. Darcy’s letter from Rosings, demonstrates Elizabeth suddenly perceiving the value of what she once considered her sister’s contemptible quality of “generous candour.” Through the influence of Jane, her best friend and complete antithesis, Elizabeth begins to realize that she can correct her prejudicial tendencies by contemplating their disparity from Jane’s “generous” tendencies. Thus, Elizabeth first realizes and reflects upon the prejudice of her earlier judgments after discovering her vast misconceptions of Mr.

Darcy’s character while staying in Kent; as a result she becomes increasingly engaged in attempting to improve the unbecoming behavior of her sisters, a development that points to major growth in her personal perspectives and empathetic abilities. In fact, Mr. Darcy’s confessional letter from Rosings can be pinpointed as the stimulus for Elizabeth’s changed attitude. In the fateful letter, one might imagine Mr. Darcy addressing Elizabeth somberly, but truthfully thus: “The situation of your mother’s family […] was nothing in comparison to the total want of propriety so frequently, so almost uniformly betrayed […] by your three younger sisters” (168). With blunt language, Darcy not only relates a factually supported and startlingly unpleasant history of Wickham, but also points out the often uncivil and ill-bred manners of Elizabeth’s sisters. The truth of Wickham’s background humbles Elizabeth and causes her to acknowledge her hastily formed and biased opinions, but Mr. Darcy’s negative comments on the Bennet family cause Elizabeth to feel “depressed beyond anything she had ever known before” (177).

Furthermore, “the justice of the charge struck her too forcibly for denial, and the circumstances to which he particularly alluded […] could not have made a more strong impression on his mind than on hers” (177). Mr. Darcy’s appraisals of Elizabeth’s sisters have the greatest impact in bringing about her change in attitude, both in her judgment of acceptable manners and her lack of concern with the impropriety of her sisters. Austen’s assertion of this cause-and-effect relationship shows the deficiencies of the Bennet family unit, especially in Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet’s discipline of their three daughters, and in Elizabeth’s negligence in guiding the behavior of her sisters. After she reflects upon her poor judgments and blind prejudices, Elizabeth assumes an almost guardian-like role in the interest of her younger sisters’ well-being, truly demonstrating her maturation into a more concerned, empathetic character. For instance, upon returning home, Elizabeth is keenly receptive to every ill-bred aspect of her younger sisters’ countenance. Whereas the “vain, ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled” conduct of Lydia and Kitty had before received concern only from Mr.

Bennet, primarily in the form of sarcastic, somewhat insulting comments, Elizabeth begins to take it upon herself to urge Mr. Bennet to restrain the wild behavior of Lydia, who is soon to visit Brighton: If you […] will not take the trouble of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her present pursuits are not to be the business of her life […] her character will be fixed […] and from the ignorance and emptiness of her mind, [she will] wholly be unable to ward off any portion of that contempt which her rage for admiration will excite. (195) Although Lydia still leaves for Brighton, Elizabeth continues to fix her attentions on reforming Kitty, hoping that she “might in time regain her natural degree of sense, since the disturbers of her brain were removed” (200). This changed Elizabeth, who feels genuine concern for Lydia and the Bennet family reputation, is a vast departure from the earlier Elizabeth, who showed an indifferent tolerance towards her youngest sisters’ improper behavior. Therefore, when Lydia elopes with Wickham, disgracing her family, the new Elizabeth is devastated; her reaction to Lydia’s folly further points to the evolution of her ideas and inclinations.

The most prominent aspect of Elizabeth’s response is her utter wretchedness; for the first time, readers observe a discomposed Elizabeth deeply affected by grief and humiliation: “she burst into tears as she alluded to it, and for a few minutes could not speak another word” (231). Her profound chagrin demonstrates a truly fervent consideration for her sister, a sentiment that had never surfaced prior to the incident of the elopement. Additionally, she expresses true indignation towards Wickham - “My eyes were opened to his real character” (232) - and rejects her former inclination to judge character based on first impressions: The regard springing from such sources is unreasonable or unnatural, in comparison to what is so often described as arising on a first interview with its object, and even before two words have been exchanged […] she had given somewhat of a trial to the latter method, in her partiality for Wickham, and […] its ill-success might authorize her to seek [another] less interesting mode of attachment (233) As Elizabeth ponders the ineffectiveness of her premature judgments, readers discern that Lydia’s indiscretions are instrumental in prompting Elizabeth’s subsequent realization of her affection for Mr.

Darcy, especially after she assumes that he has lost regard for her because of Lydia’s elopement: “Elizabeth, who was by this time tolerably well acquainted with her own feelings, was perfectly aware that, had she known nothing of Darcy, she could have borne the dread of Lydia’s infamy somewhat better. It would have spared her, she thought, one sleepless night out of two” (250). Thus, “Lydia’s infamy” causes Elizabeth to again reflect upon the imprudence of her early assumptions of Darcy’s character, the character of Wickham, and possibly even other unsuspecting acquaintances who unknowingly gave her a poor first impression. The event of Lydia’s elopement certainly demonstrates, with emphasis, Elizabeth’s completed development of a more empathetic perspective. Of the final chapters in Pride and Prejudice, detractors often grieve that Jane Austen concludes her novels too joyously, frequently with blissful reunions and happy engagements.

However, upon closer inspection, Elizabeth’s happy engagement to Darcy seems natural in the context of Austen’s deft correlation of the Bennet sisters’ characters with Elizabeth’s growing sense of empathy, insight, and understanding, as well as her diminishing tendency to hold prejudices. Yet, unlike Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia are portrayed as generally static characters at the end of the novel; Austen does not describe in detail any remarkable changes the sisters undergo from their original dispositions. Jane retains her “affectionate heart” (324), “Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless” (264), Mary “could still moralize over every morning visit” (324), and so forth. Austen’s one-dimensional presentation of Elizabeth’s sisters serves two purposes. Primarily, it focuses the reader’s attention on the personal journey of one of Austen’s most vivacious, memorable protagonists. Secondly, it allows Austen to suggest the possibility that Elizabeth’s sisters also have the capacity to change their negative inclinations.

Kitty is briefly heralded as “less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid” after being looked after by her eldest sisters, and Mary “was obliged to mix more with the world”, offering hope that she might yet learn to reform her pretentious airs (324). Overall, Austen’s short expressions of optimism for Elizabeth’s sisters only serve to augment the underlying theme that is related primarily by Elizabeth’s own personal changes. In Pride and Prejudice, the heroine’s ultimate realization of her prejudiced opinions and biased perspectives is largely brought about by her intimacy with Jane, the audacity of Lydia, and other interactions with her four sisters. Indeed, Elizabeth’s acquisition of greater empathy and understanding of others underlines Austen’s prevailing philosophy that, with the proper stimulus, a person’s countenance and perspective can evolve, often allowing him or her to achieve personal happiness on a very joyous, triumphant level. Works Cited Auerbach, Emily. Searching for Jane Austen. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press, 2004. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: The New American Library, Inc., 1961.

Pride & Prejudice (2005) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error ON DISC ALL Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice? Director: a list of 41 titles created 19 Sep 2012 a list of 22 images created 03 Oct 2012 a list of 21 titles created 26 Jan 2013 a list of 43 titles created 20 Aug 2013 a list of 21 titles created 13 Jun 2015 Search for " Pride & Prejudice " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for 4 Oscars.

Another 13 wins & 52 nominations. See more awards » Videos Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a thirteen-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit. Director: Joe Wright Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the titular opposites. Director: Ang Lee Pride and Prejudice (TV Mini-Series 1995) Drama | Romance Jane Austen's classic novel about the prejudice that occurred between the 19th century classes and the pride which would keep lovers apart. Stars: Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle, Susannah Harker A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life. Director: Saul Dibb In late-19th-century Russian high society, St. Petersburg aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the dashing Count Alexei Vronsky.

Director: Joe Wright A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret. Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga A poor yet passionate young man falls in love with a rich young woman, giving her a sense of freedom, but they are soon separated because of their social differences. Director: Nick Cassavetes A biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman. Director: Julian Jarrold After spending the night together on the night of their college graduation Dexter and Em are shown each year on the same date to see where they are in their lives. They are sometimes together, sometimes not, on that day. Director: Lone Scherfig Two teenage cancer patients begin a life-affirming journey to visit a reclusive author in Amsterdam. Director: Josh Boone A middle-aged husband's life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a newfound friend, Jacob, learning to pick up girls at bars.

Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa Stars: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore The story of two North Carolina teens, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, who are thrown together after Landon gets into trouble and is made to do community service. Director: Adam Shankman Edit Storyline The protagonist Elizabeth Bennett is a witty, sarcastic, somewhat stubborn young lady who really has an opinion about quite a lot including why she would not marry simply because of it is expected of her. Mr. Guy Darcy is a shy, rich, man who defiantly believes there is such a thing as superior birth. Written by Gaëlle A romance ahead of its time. See more » Genres: Rated PG for some mild thematic elements | See all certifications » Parents Guide: 23 November 2005 (USA) See more » Also Known As: £2,529,947 (UK) (16 September 2005) Gross: Did You Know?

Trivia The actresses who make up the Bennett family ( Keira Knightley , Rosamund Pike , Jena Malone , Talulah Riley , and Carey Mulligan ) went to the Bennett house location, in Kent, before the crew, and played Sardines (similar to Hide and Seek in America) in order to get better acquainted with the house and each other before filming began. See more » Goofs Lizzie is clearly wearing Wellington boots in many scenes. See more » Quotes See more » Crazy Credits Thanks to ... The Dromgoole family ... all at Sands Films ... Andrew and Pippa Reis and family ... the residents and businesses of Stamford Lincolnshire. See more » Connections (United States) – See all my reviews While I will say first off, that no movie production ever made will ever equal a novel, especially one of this magnitude, this movie is very well done. I read many reviews going either way, but I must say I enjoyed the film very much. Many are quick to criticize Mac's performance saying he didn't do a good job. I thought he was fine, but believe me he is no Colin. Keira Knightley was absolutely incredible in the film, I would go as far to say it is her breakout performance.

Donald Sutherland was amazing, but as can be expected from him. Judi, like always is incredible at her role as Lady Catherine. If you are a complete avid fan of the book as I am, you may or may not like it. My only complaint was that it was in fact short, but then again it is quite hard to make a 370+ page novel into a two hour movie easily. There is a phenomenal display of acting by the entire cast, and the score is perfect. One warning though, the movie concentrates on the love story more than Austen's satire of society, so many Austen fans may be angry with that. But overall I thought it was a great film. 122 of 176 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes

Question: Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Lydia and Kitty are all characters in which novel by Jane Austen?
Answer: Pride and Prejudice