Pride and Prejudice

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MR. BENNET

Mr. Bennet is an odd mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve and caprice. He is fond of country and literature. He is a very light-hearted man; one who loves to laugh and attempts to overcome life's problems by laughter. He laughs at Kitty and Lydia's behavior rather than restraining them. He also enjoys his wife's ignorance and folly despite his unsuitable marriage. He always favors Elizabeth over his other four daughters, and often defends her as well.

MRS. BENNET

Mrs. Bennet is the daughter of an attorney. She is estimated to be in her 40s, having been married for 23 years. She is a woman of mean understanding, uncertain temper, and little information. Her only point in life is to get her daughters married. She believes that "those who do not complain are not pitied." Unlike her husband, Elizabeth is the least dear to her compared to her four other daughters.

JANE

Jane is the prettiest of the five Bennet daughters. She is too good. She does not blame anybody or find fault in anyone. She is very honest and truthful. She is very good with children because of her "steady sense and a sweetened temper." Unfortunately, she is often subject to depression. She often shows a "want of cheerfulness."

ELIZABETH

Jane Austen once said, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print, and how shall I be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know." Elizabeth is the second prettiest of the Bennet daughters. In the novel, Elizabeth is hardly ever described by the narrator. Instead, any description of her comes from those characters around her. The only description the narrator gives of Elizabeth is that she is pretty and has dark eyes. From the action of the novel, one can also determine that she is courageous, and she has a passion for running. Darcy states that Elizabeth has a "lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous." Elizabeth's mother says she is not half as pretty as Jane, nor half as good humored as Lydia. Caroline considers her to be conceited and impertinent. She also says that Elizabeth loves to laugh at follies. Mr. Collins comments on Elizabeth's wit and vivacity.

LYDIA

Lydia is the tallest and the youngest in the Bennet family. She is only 15 years old, but she gets married to Mr. Wickham. She is the favorite with her mother. She is a big flirt, and she has "high spirits."

CHARLES BINGLEY

Mr. Bingley is 22 years old. He is in "want of proper resolution." He has an easiness of temper, and he is very modest. He has a large fortune. In addition to his fortune, he is very good-looking, he is a gentleman with a pleasant countenance. He is described as "lively and unreserved" with "unaffected manners." However, he is a slave to his friends (especially Mr. Darcy).

CAROLINE BINGLEY

Caroline is Mr. Bingley's sister. She is very jealous of Elizabeth because of the interest Darcy takes in her. She attempts to persuade Darcy away from Elizabeth. She accuses Elizabeth of looking ill, and of being brown and course. Elizabeth describes Caroline as being proud and conceited, but well educated. She also states that Caroline is handsome, and she notices that Caroline likes to associate with people of a higher rank.

MR. COLLINS

Mr. Collins is the rector of Hunsford in Kent. He is cousin and heir to Mr. Bennet and his estate. He is very wealthy. The narrator describes him as "the fire and independence of his character." At times, Mr. Collins can be very offensive without even knowing it. He proposes to Elizabeth, but when she denies him he asks Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth accuses him of being conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, and a silly man.

FITZWILLIAM DARCY

Mr. Darcy is described as being tall. He is handsome, noble, and admired greatly by all at the first ball, until his manners contradict his appearance. He is condemned of being "high and conceited," and as the worst of men. He is sometimes dull and silent. As he associates more with Elizabeth, he begins to change. He admits his faults, of having a temper and manners which were so little dignified. He also admits that he was raised to be selfish and conceited. Yet, in time, his manners improve. Elizabeth says that she has never seen him "[speak] with such gentleness." He is the one who does everything for Wickham and Lydia, including: making the match, paying their debts, and getting Wickham his commission. From birth, Mr. Darcy's mother and aunt planned for him to be married to Miss De Bourgh, but fortunately it does not happen and he is married to Elizabeth.

LADY CATHERINE

Lady Catherine is the daughter of a higher nobleman. She is tall with strongly marked features. She tends to make visitors feel inferior to her superior rank. She likes to inflict her judgements and advice on others. She is Mr. Darcy's aunt. Lady Catherine is a very charming, amiable young lady according to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth complains that Lady Catherine has a "dignified impertinence." Lady Catherine is surprised by Elizabeth when she talks back to her. She is not used to having her judgments controverted.

CHARLOTTE

Charlotte is the eldest daughter of the Lucas'. She is married to Mr. Collins. She married for wealth and a higher social class. It is said that she accepts Mr. Collins' proposal for the "pure and disinherited desire of an establishment." She is not very romantic, and she tends to sacrifice her feelings for worldly advantages.

MR. WICKHAM

Mr. Wickham was the steward to the old Mr. Darcy. He has a fine countenance, a good figure and a pleasing address. He has happy manners. Unfortunately the only thing in his favor is his looks. He is very poor, and he has many debts as well. By the housekeeper of the former Mr. Darcy, Wickham is described as being "very wild."