Pride and Prejudice Summary: Plot, Characters and Key Facts
Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five sisters, and the proud Mr Darcy. They misjudge each other at first and slowly learn to see each other clearly.
Jane Austen's novel was first published in 1813 and was originally called First Impressions.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Author | Jane Austen |
| Published | January 1813, in three volumes |
| Original title | First Impressions |
| Genre | Classic romance, often read as a comedy |
| Setting | Hertfordshire, England, early 19th century |
| Heroine | Elizabeth Bennet |
What is Pride and Prejudice about?
The Bennet family lives at Longbourn, near the town of Meryton in Hertfordshire. Mrs Bennet is determined to marry off her five daughters. Mr Bennet is sarcastic and detached, and because Longbourn is entailed to the male line, the estate will pass to a cousin, Mr Collins, after his death.
When the wealthy Charles Bingley rents the nearby Netherfield estate, he is drawn to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane. His friend, the rich and reserved Mr Darcy, refuses to dance with Elizabeth, and she overhears him calling her not handsome enough. The charming officer George Wickham then tells Elizabeth that Darcy treated him badly, and her dislike of Darcy hardens.
↑ Back to the topWhere and when is it set?
The story takes place in rural England in the early 19th century, mostly around Meryton in Hertfordshire. Other places matter too: Rosings in Kent, home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Pemberley, Darcy's estate in Derbyshire. Marriage and money drive the plot, because a woman of the Bennets' class had few other ways to secure her future.
↑ Back to the topWho are the main characters?
Elizabeth Bennet is the witty heroine and Jane Bennet is her gentle elder sister. Mr and Mrs Bennet are their parents, and Lydia and Kitty are the youngest sisters. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley are the two wealthy friends. George Wickham is the charming officer. Mr Collins is the pompous clergyman, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh is his patron.
↑ Back to the topHow does Pride and Prejudice end?
Mr Collins proposes to Elizabeth and is refused, then marries her friend Charlotte Lucas. Darcy persuades Bingley to leave Netherfield, because he thinks Jane is an unsuitable match. In Kent, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, and she angrily refuses. He then gives her a letter that shows Wickham's dishonesty.
At Pemberley Elizabeth sees Darcy at his kindest. Then Lydia runs off with Wickham, and Darcy quietly pays Wickham's debts so that he marries her. Bingley comes back and proposes to Jane. When Lady Catherine demands that Elizabeth promise never to marry Darcy, Elizabeth refuses, and Darcy proposes again. This time she accepts.
↑ Back to the topKey facts about the book
Austen wrote an early version between 1796 and 1797 and revised it between 1811 and 1812. The book was published by Thomas Egerton of Whitehall. The title names the flaws of the two leads: Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice. Both must be overcome before they understand each other.
↑ Back to the topMore about Pride and Prejudice
This guide covers the book only. Events in film or TV versions differ in places.