With over twenty characters weaving their personalities, dialogue, and responses to the plot line, the reader is sorry when the book is over. Below is a list of some of the primary characters that you grow to love, dislike, or accept.

Elizabeth is the heroine of the story. Possessed of an independent, spirited personality, she is a student of human nature. However, her misjudgment of people’s character is later revealed in the story. Elizabeth also becomes the object of the hero’s affection (Darcy) despite their initial negative introduction.

Darcy, as he is referred to in the story, is the hero. Darcy’s exterior nature appears proud and uncaring, his wealth being his only asset. Upon closer examination through action and deed, Elizabeth discovers a generous and thoughtful man.

Mr. Bennett is Elizabeth’s father. His character appears apathetic and resigned to his marital state, which is unhappy. In a time when females could not work to provide for themselves, Mr. Bennett falls short in securing a financial future for his wife and daughters.

Note: Chapter one sets the stage and commences with Mrs. Bennett advising her husband that an eligible bachelor has moved nearby at Netherfield Park. Certainly, Mrs. Bennett understands the import of finding her daughters spouses for their future security. Without marriage, the women could face abject poverty once Mr. Bennett dies as their home and estate will be entailed away to a male relative, Mr. Collins.

Mrs. Bennett is Elizabeth’s mother. Mrs. Bennett displays silly behavior and doesn’t seem to know how to refrain from saying the wrong thing, speaking too loudly, or other inappropriate behavior in a world that demands impeccable manners in Society. To her credit, she works diligently to find husbands for her daughters

Note: On page 19, Pride & Prejudice, it is said by Mrs. Hurst and Miss Caroline Bingley (Charles Bingley’s sisters) that the mother was "intolerable".

Jane is the oldest daughter of the Bennett family. Possessing a kind and sweet nature, she tends to believe the best in anyone she meets. Jane is also Elizabeth’s confidant. The reader enjoys the relationship that exists between these two interesting ladies. In addition to the romance that develops between Elizabeth and Darcy, a love sparks between Jane and Mr. Bingley.

Note: Upon their first acquaintance, Darcy acknowledges Jane to be pretty while Mr. Bingley’s sisters "pronounced her to be a sweet girl" and worth getting to know better.

Mr. Bingley immediately falls in love with Jane Bennett. A man of wealth and pleasant disposition, Mrs. Bennett is quick to state her interest in the match. The agreeable nature of both Jane and Mr. Bingley seem to make them a perfect couple.

The characters are a delight to watch in action.  It is the characters that can draw us in to the story and make fiction become a reality.

Return to
Jane Austen

Return to Home Page