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Pride and Prejudice characters

Who’s who in Pride and Prejudice, the 1813 novel by Jane Austen, with a guide to every character in our retelling for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

Pride and Prejudice follows the Bennet family of Longbourn: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Because the house must go to a male cousin, Mrs. Bennet is eager to see her daughters married. Elizabeth, the second sister and the heroine, is clever and quick, while Jane, the eldest, is gentle and patient. Lydia is the youngest and the most reckless.

Around them are the families who change their lives. Mr. Bingley and his proud friend Mr. Darcy arrive at Netherfield, bringing Bingley's sisters and Darcy's family with them, including his aunt Lady Catherine and his sister Georgiana. Mr. Wickham, a charming soldier, and Mr. Collins, a pompous clergyman, add trouble and comedy. Elizabeth's best friend Charlotte Lucas and her aunt Mrs. Gardiner round out the cast.

The characters (15)

  • Colonel Fitzwilliam in his uniform, chatting with Elizabeth in the woods

    Colonel Fitzwilliam

    Mr. Darcy’s friendly cousin, a cheerful army officer.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam is Mr. Darcy’s cousin, a cheerful army officer who loves a good chat. He is friendly and easy to talk to, quite the opposite of his serious cousin. While walking with Elizabeth in the woods at Rosings, he shares a piece of news that makes her think even less of Darcy, at least for a while.

    Full character guide
  • Mrs. Gardiner in a blue cape, riding in a carriage with Elizabeth

    Mrs. Gardiner

    Elizabeth’s wise and caring aunt from London.

    Mrs. Gardiner is Elizabeth and Jane’s aunt from London, a wise and loving lady who gives good advice. She enjoys long talks with Elizabeth and takes her on a summer trip to the northern hills. It is her idea to visit Pemberley, and she helps Elizabeth learn the truth about Mr. Darcy.

    Full character guide
  • Georgiana Darcy in a white dress, holding Elizabeth’s hands by a river

    Georgiana Darcy

    Mr. Darcy’s shy younger sister, who loves music.

    Georgiana is Mr. Darcy’s younger sister, sixteen years old, tall and very shy. She loves music and looks up to her big brother, who cares for her dearly. When she meets Elizabeth at Pemberley, she admires her right away, and the two begin a warm friendship that makes Darcy very happy.

    Full character guide

Questions about the characters in Pride and Prejudice

Who are the main characters in Pride and Prejudice?
The main characters are Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, with Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley as the second couple. Important supporting characters include Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, Charlotte Lucas and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
How many Bennet sisters are there and what are their names?
There are five Bennet sisters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (called Kitty) and Lydia. Jane is the eldest and Lydia the youngest.
Who is the villain in Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Wickham is usually seen as the villain. He lies about Mr. Darcy, once tried to run off with Georgiana Darcy for her fortune, and later elopes with Lydia Bennet.
Who does Elizabeth Bennet marry?
Elizabeth marries Mr. Darcy. Her sister Jane marries Mr. Bingley, and Lydia marries Mr. Wickham.
Who is Lady Catherine de Bourgh?
Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy's rich and bossy aunt, who lives at Rosings Park. She is also the patron of Mr. Collins, and she hopes Darcy will marry her daughter.
Who are the Bingleys and the Darcys?
Mr. Bingley is a cheerful gentleman who rents Netherfield, and his sister Caroline lives with him. His best friend Mr. Darcy is the owner of Pemberley, and his younger sister is Georgiana.

Read Pride and Prejudice for ages 6–9