Pride and Prejudice: Characters and Synopsis
Elizabeth Bennet
The second daughter in the Bennet family, intelligent and quick-witted, Elizabeth is the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice and one of the most beloved female characters in English literature. Her admirable qualities are numerous: she is lovely, clever, and a brilliant conversationalist. Her honesty, virtue, and lively wit enable her to rise above the societal nonsense. However, her sharp tongue and tendency to make hasty judgments often lead her astray. Pride and Prejudice is essentially the story of how she and Darcy overcome obstacles, including their own failings, to find happiness. Elizabeth copes with a difficult mother, a distant father, two badly behaved younger siblings, and several snobbish females. She must also overcome her own mistaken impressions of Darcy. Her charms keep him interested as she navigates turmoil. She gradually recognizes Darcy’s nobility, realizing the error of her initial prejudice.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
The son of a wealthy family and master of Pemberley, Darcy is Elizabeth’s male counterpart. The narrator relates Elizabeth’s point of view more often, so she seems more sympathetic. However, the reader realizes that Darcy is her ideal match: intelligent and forthright, he also tends to judge too hastily. His high birth and wealth make him overly proud. His haughtiness initially bungles his courtship. When he proposes, he dwells on how unsuitable a match she is. Her rejection builds humility in him. Darcy demonstrates his devotion when he rescues Lydia and the Bennets, and by continuing to pursue Elizabeth. Darcy proves himself worthy, and she repents her earlier judgment.
Jane Bennet
The eldest and most beautiful Bennet sister, Jane is more reserved and gentler than Elizabeth. The pleasantness between her and Bingley contrasts with the distaste between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Charles Bingley
Darcy’s wealthy best friend. Bingley’s purchase of Netherfield serves as the impetus for the novel. He is a genial, well-intentioned gentleman, whose easygoing nature contrasts with Darcy’s demeanor. He is uncaring about class differences.
Mr. Bennet
The patriarch of the Bennet household, Mr. Bennet is driven to exasperation by his wife and daughters. He withdraws and assumes a detached attitude with sarcastic humor. He is closest to Elizabeth. His dry wit makes him sympathetic, but the reader loses respect as his detachment’s price becomes clear. He is a weak father and fails his family. His indulgence of Lydia nearly leads to disgrace. He proves ineffective, leaving Mr. Gardiner and Darcy to rectify the situation. Mr. Bennet would rather withdraw than cope.
Mrs. Bennet
A tiresome character, noisy and foolish, Mrs. Bennet is consumed by the desire to see her daughters married. Her lack of social graces alienates the people she tries to attract. Austen uses her to highlight the necessity of marriage for women. Mrs. Bennet also serves as a middle-class counterpoint, demonstrating that foolishness can be found at every level of society. Some readers have accused Austen of unfairness in portraying her.
George Wickham
A handsome, fortune-hunting militia officer. Wickham’s looks and charm attract Elizabeth, but Darcy’s revelation about his past clues her in to his true nature.
Lydia Bennet
The youngest Bennet sister, she is gossipy, immature, and self-involved. Unlike Elizabeth, Lydia flings herself into romance and runs off with Wickham.
Mr. Collins
A pompous clergyman who stands to inherit Mr. Bennet’s property. Mr. Collins takes great pains to let everyone know that Lady Catherine de Bourgh is his patroness. He is snobbish and obsequious.
Miss Bingley
Bingley’s snobbish sister. Miss Bingley disdains Elizabeth’s background. Her attempts to garner Darcy’s attention cause him to admire Elizabeth more.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh
A rich, bossy noblewoman; Mr. Collins’s patron and Darcy’s aunt. Lady Catherine epitomizes class snobbery, especially in her attempts to order Elizabeth away from her nephew.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner
Mrs. Bennet’s brother and his wife. The Gardiners, caring and nurturing, often prove to be better parents to the Bennet daughters than Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Charlotte Lucas
Elizabeth’s dear friend. Pragmatic where Elizabeth is romantic, Charlotte does not view love as vital. She is more interested in comfort. Thus, she accepts Mr. Collins’s proposal.
Georgiana Darcy
Darcy’s sister. She is pretty and shy, with great skill at playing the pianoforte.
Mary Bennet
The middle Bennet sister, bookish and pedantic.
Catherine Bennet
The fourth Bennet sister. Like Lydia, she is enthralled with the soldiers.