Pride and Prejudice [Classic Tales Edition] characters

Appears from the start

The second Bennet daughter, lively, observant, and confident in her judgment. She enjoys wit and independence more than social display, and she quickly takes against Mr Darcy after overhearing his dismissive remark about her at the local assembly.

Appears from the start

The eldest Bennet daughter and Elizabeth's closest confidante. Beautiful, gentle, and inclined to interpret other people's conduct generously, she attracts particular attention when the wealthy Mr Bingley comes to the neighbourhood.

Appears from the start

The dryly humorous master of Longbourn and father of five daughters. He retreats from domestic commotion into his library and often treats his family's anxieties as material for amusement, even when Mrs Bennet wants him to act on their behalf.

Appears from the start

The excitable mother of the five Bennet daughters. With the family estate destined to pass to a male cousin, she regards finding prosperous husbands for her daughters as an urgent practical mission and greets news of an eligible neighbour with immediate enthusiasm.

First appears in chapter 2

The youngest Bennet sister, self-assured and eager for dances, officers, and any source of amusement. Her high spirits are encouraged by her mother and only lightly checked by her father.

Appears from the start

An unmarried young gentleman who rents Netherfield Park. His considerable income, friendly temper, and readiness to join local society make him an immediate object of interest to the Bennet household before they have even met him.

First appears in chapter 3

Bingley's wealthy friend and the owner of a large Derbyshire estate. Handsome but reserved, he appears proud to the local company and offends Elizabeth at the first assembly by declining to dance with her within her hearing.

Also known as Miss Bingley

First appears in chapter 3

Charles Bingley's fashionable unmarried sister, who shares the party at Netherfield. Polished and socially assured, she is attentive to Darcy and initially presents herself as friendly toward Jane.

First appears in chapter 5

Elizabeth's intimate friend and the eldest daughter of the neighbouring Lucas family. Twenty-seven, sensible, and plain-spoken, she observes the developing attachments around her with a practical understanding of the limited choices open to women without fortunes.

First appears in chapter 13

Mr Bennet's cousin and the clergyman who will inherit Longbourn because the estate is entailed in the male line. A ceremonious letter announces his wish to visit and make peace with the family, while also displaying his solemn self-importance and devotion to his noble patroness.

First appears in chapter 15

A handsome new officer in the militia stationed near Meryton. His open, engaging manner makes an immediate contrast with Darcy's reserve and quickly wins Elizabeth's interest.

First appears in chapter 13

A wealthy, titled widow and Mr Collins's patroness, introduced through his reverent account of her favour to him and her authority at Rosings Park. His praise makes clear that her approval governs much of his conduct.

First appears in chapter 25

Mrs Bennet's sensible brother, a London businessman who visits Longbourn with his wife. His good manners and sound judgment distinguish him from the social assumptions attached to his commercial address.

First appears in chapter 25

Elizabeth and Jane's intelligent, warm-hearted aunt. Formerly resident near Derbyshire, she is an affectionate adviser to her nieces and takes a clear-eyed interest in Elizabeth's acquaintance with Wickham.

First appears in chapter 44

Darcy's shy younger sister, whom Elizabeth meets in Derbyshire. Georgiana is accomplished and eager to please, but her diffidence is far removed from the proud manner Elizabeth had once been led to expect.