Pride and Prejudice: Character Profiles

“Pride and Prejudice: Character Profiles”

Elizabeth Bennet

• Protagonist of the novel, known for her quick wit and astute judgement.
• Initially prejudiced against Mr Darcy, but her perceptions change as she learns more about him.
• Often acts as the moral centre of the narrative, illuminating the faults and virtues of other characters.
• Despite societal pressure, she insists on marrying for love rather than convenience.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy

• A wealthy and well-bred gentleman, initially viewed as proud and aloof.
• His character is revealed piece by piece, and he transforms from a villain into a hero.
• His love for Elizabeth eventually overcomes his pride.
• Exhibits a strong sense of responsibility towards his family and estate.

Jane Bennet

• Eldest Bennet sister, noted for her beauty and gentle nature.
• Her innate goodness occasionally renders her naive to the less honourable intentions of others, notably Mr Bingley’s sisters.
• Her relationship with Mr Bingley contrasts with Elizabeth and Darcy’s complicated courtship.

Mr. Charles Bingley

• Darcy’s good-natured and wealthy friend who falls in love with Jane Bennet.
• His character represents guilelessness and easy manners, in contrast to Darcy’s stiffness.
• At times, he is easily swayed by others, notably by Darcy and his sisters.

Mrs. Bennet

• The Bennet sisters’ mother, predominantly concerned with marrying off her daughters.
• Often shown to be shallow and lacking in social grace, drawing much ironic humour from Austen.
• Despite her flaws, her primary motivation is a concern for her daughters’ welfare in a society that offers few prospects for women outside of marriage.

Mr. Bennet

• Elizabeth’s ironic and detached father, who favours her over her sisters due to her intellectual prowess.
• His refusal to engage fully with his responsibilities contributes to the Bennets’ marital and familial issues.
• His approach highlights the limited role of women and their dependency on men to secure their futures.

Mr. George Wickham

• A military officer who initially charms Elizabeth with his good looks and apparent openness.
• His character is slowly revealed to be manipulative and dishonest, leading to much trouble for the Bennet family.
• His dispute with Darcy and elopement with Lydia serve as catalysts for the development of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship.

Lydia Bennet

• The youngest Bennet sister, who recklessly runs off with Wickham.
• Her brashness and lack of propriety highlight the danger of unchecked female youth in Austen’s society.
• Lydia’s actions provoke a crisis that forces Darcy to intervene, playing a key role in the narrative development.

Caroline Bingley

• Bingley’s snobbish and manipulative sister.
• Her attempts to draw Darcy’s attentions are consistently rebuffed.
• She serves as a foil to Elizabeth, underscoring Elizabeth’s intelligence and authenticity.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh

• Darcy’s imperious aunt who embodies the class snobbery against which Elizabeth rebels.
• Her disdain for the Bennet family and her attempt to prevent the marriage accentuate the theme of pride in the novel.