Pride and Prejudice: Analysis of Major Characters
"Pride and Prejudice" is a novel by Jane Austen that delves into the complexities of social class, relationships, and personal growth in early 19th-century England. The story primarily revolves around Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, whose initial misunderstandings are pivotal to the narrative. Elizabeth, characterized by her intelligence and spirited nature, initially harbors prejudice against Darcy due to his perceived pride and the misleading accounts of Mr. Wickham. Darcy, an affluent landowner, becomes more relatable to Elizabeth as the story unfolds, ultimately leading to a deeper connection after a series of dramatic events.
Other significant characters include Jane Bennet, Elizabeth's elder sister, who faces societal obstacles in her romance with Mr. Bingley, a charming bachelor who is initially swayed by his sisters against Jane. The novel also features Mr. Wickham, a charming but unscrupulous officer whose actions disrupt the Bennet family, and Mr. Collins, a self-important clergyman who plays a comedic yet critical role in the social dynamics of the story. Supporting characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Charlotte Lucas add depth to the exploration of class and gender roles. Overall, "Pride and Prejudice" presents a rich tapestry of characters whose relationships and personal transformations reflect larger societal themes.
Pride and Prejudice: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jane Austen
First published: 1813
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rural England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and intelligent girl who represents “prejudice” in her attitude toward Fitzwilliam Darcy, whom she dislikes because of his pride. She is also prejudiced against him by Mr. Wickham, whose false reports of Darcy she believes, and hence rejects Darcy's haughty first proposal of marriage. Yet Wickham's elopement with her sister Lydia brings Elizabeth and Darcy together, for it is Darcy who facilitates the legal marriage of the runaways. Acknowledging her mistake in her estimation of Darcy, she gladly accepts his second proposal.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, the wealthy and aristocratic landowner who represents “pride” in the story. Attracted to Elizabeth Bennet in spite of her inferior social position, he proposes marriage, but in so high-handed a manner that she instantly refuses. The two meet again while Elizabeth is viewing the grounds of his estate in Derbyshire, and she finds him less haughty in his manner. When Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wick-ham elope, Darcy feels partly responsible and straightens out the unfortunate affair. Because Elizabeth now realizes his true character, he is accepted when he proposes again.
Jane Bennet, the oldest and most beautiful of the five Bennet sisters. She falls in love with Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor. Their romance is frustrated, however, by his sisters with the help of Mr. Darcy, for the Bennets are considered socially undesirable. As a result of the change in the feelings of Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet toward each other, Jane and Bingley are finally married.
Mr. Bingley, a rich, good-natured bachelor from the north of England. He falls in love with Jane Bennet but is easily turned against her by his sisters and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who consider the Bennets vulgar and socially beneath them. When Darcy changes in his attitude toward Elizabeth Bennet, Bingley follows suit and resumes his courtship of Jane. They are married at the end of the story.
Mr. Bennet, an eccentric and mildly sarcastic small landowner. Rather indifferent to the rest of his family, he loves and admires his daughter Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet, his wife, a silly, brainless woman interested only in getting her daughters married.
Lydia Bennet, the youngest daughter, a flighty and uncontrolled girl. At the age of fifteen, she elopes with the worthless Mr. Wickham. Their marriage is finally made possible by Mr. Darcy, who pays Wickham's debts; but the two are never very happy.
Mary Bennet and Catherine (Kitty) Bennet, younger daughters of the family.
Mr. Wickham, the villain of the story, an officer in the militia. He had been brought up by the Darcy family and, having a certain charm, attracts Elizabeth Bennet, whom he prejudices against Mr. Darcy by misrepresenting the latter's treatment of him. Quite unexpectedly, he elopes with fifteen-year-old, flirtatious Lydia Bennet. Darcy, who has tried to expose Wickham to Elizabeth, feels responsible for the elopement and provides the money for the marriage by paying Wickham's debts. Wickham and Lydia soon tire of each other.
William Collins, a pompous, sycophantic clergyman, distantly related to Mr. Bennet and the heir to his estate, since the Bennets have no son. He proposes to Elizabeth. After her refusal, he marries her friend, Charlotte Lucas.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's aunt and the patron of Mr. Collins. An insufferably haughty and domineering woman, she wants Darcy to marry her only daughter and bitterly resents his interest in Elizabeth Bennet. She tries to break up their love affair but fails.
Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine's spiritless daughter. Her mother has planned to marry her to Mr. Darcy in order to combine two great family fortunes.
Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth Bennet's closest friend. Knowing that she will have few chances of marriage, she accepts the pompous and boring Mr. Collins shortly after Elizabeth has refused him.
Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Bingley's cold and worldly sisters. They succeed for a time in turning him against Jane Bennet.
Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet's brother, a London merchant.
Mrs. Gardiner, his sensible and kindly wife.